Dinnerware shapes the look of a table just as much as table linen and glassware. At events, practical questions come into play: which series suits the occasion, which plates do I need for a set menu or buffet, how many pieces per guest – and how do delivery and return work?
In this guide we present our two dinnerware series – the classic white porcelain “classic” and the matt designer dinnerware “elegant” – show which series suits which occasion, and explain how to plan the right quantity per guest.
In brief: which dinnerware is right?
- Corporate party, buffet, catering: “classic” series in white porcelain – robust and good value
- Wedding, gala, seated dinner: “elegant” series in matt stoneware
- Modern contrast: “elegant” in black on a white tablecloth
- Set menu: one plate per course and guest
- Buffet: 2 dinner plates and 1 dessert plate per guest
- Reserve: plan an extra 5 to 10%
The robust all-rounder
“classic” series: white porcelain for every occasion
The “classic” series is simple, white catering porcelain. The reinforced rim makes the plates particularly robust – ideal for large quantities, buffets and catering, where a lot is cleared away and stacked. The dinnerware is dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe and goes with any table linen.
The series includes the dinner plate Ø 27 cm, the deep soup plate Ø 23 cm, the cake and starter plate Ø 19 cm and the bowl Ø 12 cm for soup, salad or dessert.
Typical uses: corporate parties, buffets, catering, club and family celebrations.
For a festive setting
“elegant” series in cream white: matt designer dinnerware
The “elegant” series is made of stoneware with a matt glaze. The soft, matt surface and the rim give every dish a high-quality, modern frame – just as you know it from fine dining. The warm cream white looks natural and festive at the same time.
The series includes dinner plates with Ø 30 and Ø 26 cm, the cake and starter plate Ø 20.5 cm and the small bowl Ø 13.5 cm with a high rim and 250 ml for starters, salads and soups. The dinnerware is dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe.
Typical uses: weddings, galas, seated dinners and fine dining catering.
Modern contrast
“elegant” series in black: a strong statement
The same shapes are available in matt black. On white or cream table linen this creates a strong, modern contrast, and light-coloured food stands out particularly well. Black dinnerware suits galas, corporate events and evening events with elegant lighting.
Cream white and black can also be combined – for example black dinner plates with cream white starter plates.
Typical uses: galas, corporate events, dinners and modern weddings.
“classic” or “elegant”? The right series for each occasion
The decision depends mainly on the setting: for a buffet and large quantities, robustness counts; for a seated dinner, the effect on the table.
| Occasion | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Wedding dinner | “elegant” cream white | Festive, warm, high-quality |
| Gala / awards ceremony | “elegant” black or cream white | Strong, modern statement |
| Corporate party with a set menu | “elegant” or “classic” | Depending on the look you want and your budget |
| Buffet / catering | “classic” | Robust, good value, in large quantities |
| Coffee and cake | “classic” with cups and cake plates | Complete coffee service from one series |
| Finger food reception | Mini dishes, spoons and platters | Small portions served elegantly |
For the coffee table
Coffee and espresso
For coffee and cake, the “classic” series offers the 180 ml coffee cup with a matching saucer, the 310 ml coffee mug and the 70 ml espresso cup with saucer. Together with the cake plate, this makes a complete, matching coffee service.
Typical uses: coffee table at weddings and birthdays, conference breaks, breakfast and brunch.
For buffet and reception
Finger food dinnerware and buffet platters
For finger food and buffets there are white mini dishes in round, square and rectangular shapes, finger food spoons and rectangular buffet platters in two sizes. The dishes and spoons are also oven-safe – so small hot dishes can be prepared and served directly in them.
You can find more platters, vacuum jugs and serving trays in our buffet accessories category.
Typical uses: standing reception, finger food buffet, flying dinner and catering.
Planning: how much dinnerware do you need?
1. For a set menu: one plate per course
For a seated dinner, plan one plate per guest for each course – for example a starter plate, a deep plate for the soup, a dinner plate for the main course and a dessert plate. If a course is served on the same plate, it is omitted accordingly.
2. For a buffet: two dinner plates and one dessert plate
At a buffet, guests usually help themselves twice and take a fresh plate each time. So allow 2 dinner plates and 1 dessert plate per guest, plus a bowl or deep plate if there is soup.
3. Count coffee and cake separately
Cake plates, cups and saucers are often forgotten. If there is a coffee table after the meal, you need separate plates for it – the dessert dinnerware has usually already been cleared away by then.
4. Reserve
Plan 5 to 10% more dinnerware than the number of guests expected. That way you are prepared for extra guests, a plate that breaks or a quick change.
5. Delivery and return
We deliver the dinnerware securely packed in stacked boxes. After the event, you just remove large food scraps and put the dinnerware back into the boxes – no washing up needed, final cleaning is included in the rental price. Breakage and missing pieces are charged at replacement cost. Everything about delivery and packages can be found under How it works & FAQ.
Expert tip from Munich Event Rent
Combine the series deliberately: “elegant” for the seated dinner, “classic” for the buffet, midnight snack and coffee table. That way the table looks high-quality, and you save where it is less noticeable.
The series compared side by side
| “classic” | “elegant” | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Porcelain | Stoneware |
| Surface | Classic glaze | Matt glaze |
| Colours | White | Cream white, black |
| Rim | Reinforced rim, particularly robust | With rim, small bowl with a high rim |
| Plates | Ø 27, 23 (deep), 19 cm, bowl Ø 12 cm | Ø 30, 26, 20.5 cm, small bowl Ø 13.5 cm |
| Coffee & espresso | Cups, saucers, mugs | – |
| Dishwasher / microwave | Yes / yes | Yes / yes |
| Price level | Good value | Upmarket |
| Ideal for | Buffet, catering, corporate party, coffee table | Wedding, gala, seated dinner |
How to find the right dinnerware
If you want to decide quickly, this logic helps:
- Festive dinner: “elegant” in cream white or black.
- Buffet or catering: “classic”, 2 dinner plates and 1 dessert plate per guest.
- Coffee table: “classic” with cup, saucer and cake plate.
- Standing reception: mini dishes, finger food spoons and buffet platters.
If you already know what you need, go straight to the matching category:
Frequently asked questions about dinnerware for events
Which dinnerware series are available to rent?
We rent out the “classic” series in white porcelain and the “elegant” series in matt stoneware in cream white and black. There are also coffee and espresso cups as well as finger food dinnerware.
Which dinnerware suits a wedding?
For the wedding dinner we recommend the “elegant” series in cream white – it looks warm, festive and high-quality. The “classic” series is also suitable for the buffet and coffee table.
How many plates do I need per guest for a buffet?
We recommend 2 dinner plates and 1 dessert plate per guest, as guests usually take a fresh plate twice at the buffet. Add 5 to 10% reserve.
How many plates do I need for a set menu?
Plan one plate per course and guest – for example a starter plate, deep plate, dinner plate and dessert plate – plus 5 to 10% reserve.
What is the difference between “classic” and “elegant”?
“classic” is classic white porcelain with a reinforced rim – robust and good value. “elegant” is stoneware with a matt glaze in cream white or black and looks particularly high-quality.
Is the dinnerware dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe?
Yes, both series are dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe. The finger food dishes and spoons are also oven-safe.
Do I have to wash the dinnerware?
No. Just remove large food scraps and put the dinnerware back into the boxes. Final cleaning is included in the rental price.
What happens if dinnerware breaks?
Breakage and missing pieces are charged at replacement cost.
Can I combine the series?
Yes. Many customers choose “elegant” for the dinner and “classic” for the buffet or coffee table. Cream white and black can also be combined within the “elegant” series.
Is there dinnerware for finger food?
Yes, we rent out mini dishes in various shapes, finger food spoons and buffet platters in white porcelain.
Non-binding advice
Not sure which dinnerware you need?
We are happy to help you with your planning. Tell us the type of event, number of guests and the menu – we will recommend the right series and quantity and, on request, prepare an individual quote.
Why Munich Event Rent?
- Two dinnerware series: “classic” and “elegant”
- Dinnerware for several hundred guests
- Final cleaning included – you don’t have to wash up
- Delivery, set-up and collection in the Munich area