High tables create meeting points – at drinks receptions, trade fairs, networking events or weddings. Which high table is right depends on the occasion, the look you want, the food served and where it will be set up.
In this guide we compare folding and elegant high tables, show how the different covers look, and explain how many high tables you need for your guests and what to look out for when planning and setting up.
In brief: which high table is right?
- Drinks reception: folding high table with a white cover – one table for about six guests
- Finger food and flying buffet: more surface space – one table for about four guests
- Wedding: high table with a festive wedding cover with bow
- Trade fair and business: black cover or elegant high table without a cover
- Outdoors: folding high table without a cover – it is allowed to get wet
- With seating: three to four bar stools per high table
The classic
Folding high table: robust and versatile
The folding high table with a diameter of 70 cm and a height of 110 cm is the universal solution for receptions, trade fairs and parties. It is quick to set up, stable and is also allowed to get wet – making it the first choice for outdoor events. On its own it looks functional; with a cover it looks festive and uniform.
Uses: corporate events, trade fairs, summer parties, private parties and outdoor events.
The classic with a cover
High table with a cover: festive and uniform
With a close-fitting stretch cover in white, black or grey, the table frame disappears and all high tables look uniform. For weddings there is the more elegant wedding cover with a bow. The covers are delivered separately, also fit your venue’s high tables of the same size and must be returned dry.
Uses: weddings, drinks receptions, galas and elegant corporate events.
The elegant one
Elegant high table: modern, even without a cover
The elegant high table with a black metal frame, a diameter of 60 cm and a height of 101.5 cm looks high-quality and modern even without a cover. For a classic look it is available with a white cotton tablecloth that falls loosely over the table – softer and more traditional than a stretch cover. Up to four people fit at it.
Uses: standing receptions, trade fairs, galas and exclusive corporate events.
Which high table suits which event?
The right high table depends not only on the look, but also on whether food is served, how long guests stand and whether the event takes place indoors or outdoors.
| Event | Recommendation | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks reception | Folding high table with a white cover | Bright and festive, quick to set up – about one table for six guests. |
| Networking / get-together | Folding high table with a black or grey cover | A calm, professional look that fits in with any corporate design. |
| Trade fair / business event | Elegant high table or black cover | Looks high-quality next to technology, the stand and branding. |
| Wedding | High table with a wedding cover | Elegant cut with a bow, to match the wedding decorations. |
| Flying buffet / finger food | Folding high table with a cover – plan more tables | Guests need space for plates and glasses – about one table for four guests. |
| Gala / evening event | Elegant high table with a white tablecloth or black cover | A refined, calm look for festive evenings. |
| Summer party / outdoors | Folding high table without a cover | Robust and allowed to get wet – covers, on the other hand, must stay dry. |
Expert tip from Munich Event Rent
Plan high tables according to the food served: for drinks only, one table for about six guests is enough. As soon as finger food is served, guests need more surface space – then allow about four guests per table.
High table covers: colours and effect
A cover hides the frame of the folding high table and creates a uniform look. The colour determines how the high table looks in the room.
White cover
Bright, friendly and festive – the classic for drinks receptions, summer parties and weddings. White can be combined with almost any decoration.
Black cover
Elegant, calm and formal – ideal for evening events, trade fairs and business events. Black high tables recede visually and leave room for lighting, branding and decorations.
Grey cover
Understated and modern – a good choice when white looks too bright and black too severe, for example at corporate events with a restrained colour scheme.
Wedding cover with bow
The wedding cover has a more elegant cut than the stretch cover and has a bow. It turns the high table into a festive eye-catcher at the drinks reception after the ceremony.
Without a cover
Without a cover, the folding high table looks functional – right for summer parties and outdoor events. The elegant high table, on the other hand, doesn’t need a cover, because its design already looks high-quality.
Planning: what to look out for with high tables
Well-planned high tables spread guests around the room, create conversation areas and provide space for glasses and plates. These points help with planning:
1. Number of high tables
For a drinks-only reception, about one high table for six guests is enough – fewer quickly becomes tight. If finger food is served or there is a flying buffet, allow about four guests per table. High tables don’t replace seats: for longer events, additional seating should be available.
2. Space requirements and walkways
To determine the number of visitors, the Bavarian Places of Assembly Ordinance assumes two people per square metre for standing places (Section 1 VStättV). For a pleasant atmosphere with high tables, service and buffet, you should plan considerably more space and keep walkways clear for guests and service staff.
3. High tables outdoors
Folding high tables are allowed to get wet and are therefore ideal for outdoors. Covers, on the other hand, should stay dry and must be returned dry. In wind, covers offer an additional surface for the wind to catch – set the tables up on level ground and preferably do without covers in strong wind. The elegant high table should stand under cover if it rains.
4. Combination with bar stools
At 110 cm high, the folding high table goes with bar stools with a seat height of 75 to 76 cm, and so does the elegant high table at 101.5 cm. We recommend three to four bar stools per high table – that leaves room for guests who prefer to stand.
5. Set-up and covers
Covers are delivered separately and fitted on site. With many high tables this takes time – plan for it in your schedule or have us take care of the set-up.
Expert tip from Munich Event Rent
Don’t just place high tables around the edge, but deliberately throughout the room: tables near the entrance, bar and buffet are used the most. This creates meeting points without guests crowding in one place.
Source: Section 1 VStättV (Bavaria)
High table options compared side by side
| Option | Dimensions | People | Outdoors | Look |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Folding, without a cover | Ø 70 cm, 110 cm high | 4 with finger food, 6 drinks only | Yes, allowed to get wet | Functional and robust |
| Folding with a stretch cover | Ø 70 cm, 110 cm high | 4 with finger food, 6 drinks only | Yes, the cover must stay dry | Uniform and festive |
| Folding with a wedding cover | Ø 70 cm, 110 cm high | 4 with finger food, 6 drinks only | Yes, the cover must stay dry | Romantic and festive |
| Elegant, black | Ø 60 cm, 101.5 cm high | up to 4 | Under cover if it rains | Modern and high-quality |
| Elegant with a white tablecloth | Ø 60 cm, 101.5 cm high | up to 4 | Under cover if it rains | Classic and refined |
How to find the right high table
If you want to decide quickly, you can use the following logic as a guide:
- Functional and economical: simple high table, usually with a cover.
- Festive and bright: high table with a white cover.
- Elegant and formal: high table with a black cover.
- Modern and high-quality: elegant black high table without a cover.
- Drinks reception: white cover or elegant high table.
- Trade fair and business event: black cover or elegant black high table.
- Wedding: high table with a wedding cover.
- Flying buffet: plan about one high table for four guests.
If you already know which option you need, go straight to the matching category:
Frequently asked questions about choosing high tables
Which high table is right for my event?
That depends on the occasion and the look you want. High tables with white covers are suitable for festive receptions. For business events and evening events, black covers or elegant black high tables usually look more appropriate.
When does a high table need a cover?
A cover makes sense when you want to enhance the look of a simple high table. Especially at weddings, receptions and prestigious events, a high table with a cover looks much more upmarket.
What looks better: a white or a black cover?
White covers look bright, festive and friendly. Black covers look more elegant, calmer and more formal. White is often chosen for weddings and drinks receptions, black more for corporate events, trade fairs and evening events.
Can a high table look good without a cover?
Yes, if it is a high-quality high table. An elegant black high table can deliberately be used without a cover and looks particularly modern and design-led.
How many high tables do you need for a reception?
For a drinks reception, allow about one high table for six guests – fewer quickly becomes tight. If finger food is served or there is a flying buffet, you should plan about one high table for four guests.
Which high tables are suitable for trade fairs?
Elegant black high tables or high tables with black covers are particularly suitable for trade fairs. They look professional and combine well with trade fair stands, technology and branding.
Are high tables a substitute for seating?
No, high tables don’t replace full seating. They are suitable for receptions, short conversations, drinks and small snacks. For longer events, additional seating should be planned.
Can I combine high tables with glassware and dinnerware?
Yes, especially at receptions, flying buffets and corporate events, combining high tables, glassware, dinnerware and other event equipment makes sense.
Can high tables be set up outdoors?
Yes. Folding high tables are allowed to get wet and are particularly suitable for outdoor events. Covers, on the other hand, should stay dry and must be returned dry. Elegant high tables should stand under cover if it rains.
How high is a high table?
Folding high tables are usually 110 cm high, our elegant high table 101.5 cm. Both heights go with bar stools with a seat height of 75 to 76 cm.
How many people fit at a high table?
At a high table with a diameter of 70 cm, about six people fit for drinks only, and about four with finger food. Up to four people fit at the elegant high table with a diameter of 60 cm.
Can I put bar stools at high tables?
Yes, bar stools with a seat height of 75 to 76 cm go with high tables 101.5 to 110 cm high. We recommend three to four bar stools per high table, so that there is still room to stand.
Advantages of Munich Event Rent
A large selection of high tables for every occasion
Whether elegant high tables with covers for weddings, practical models for corporate parties or robust options for outdoor events – with us you will find the right option for every occasion.
Reliable delivery & set-up in Munich
We deliver your high tables reliably and on time in the Munich area. On request, our team also takes care of the complete set-up and dismantling – saving you valuable time when planning your event.
Well-maintained & high-quality rental furniture
All our high tables and covers are regularly checked, cleaned and carefully maintained. That way you always receive event furniture in perfect condition that gives your event the elegant setting you want.
Transparent prices & easy requests
With us there are no hidden costs. Thanks to clear pricing and an uncomplicated online request, you know from the start what to expect.
Personal advice & individual solutions
Every event is unique. Our experienced team advises you personally and makes sure you get exactly the high table equipment that suits your event – from a small party to a large corporate event.
Non-binding advice
Not sure which high table suits your event?
We are happy to help you choose the right high tables. Simply tell us the type of event, number of guests, venue and the atmosphere you want. We will recommend suitable options with or without covers and, on request, prepare an individual quote.
Why Munich Event Rent?
- High tables for receptions, trade fairs, corporate events and weddings
- Options with white or black covers
- Elegant black high tables also available without covers
- Delivery, set-up and collection in the Munich area