A well-styled grazing table does two things at once: it feeds guests and gives them something to look at! Done well, it becomes one of the most visited and talked-about areas of an event. The serveware, the height variation, and the surface it’s built on are what separate a display that reads as designed from one that reads as arranged. At Southern Events, we carry the serving pieces that make that difference. Here’s how to build a grazing table worth gathering around, from the table up.

Start With the Right Surface

The foundation of a grazing table sets the tone for everything on top of it. A standard folding table dressed with a linen works. But a unique or colorful surface adds character before a single serving piece is placed.

The White Market Cart is one of our most popular grazing table bases. It has a built-in display quality that a standard table doesn’t. For a more rustic or organic setup, the Whiskey Barrel Barnwood Bar works beautifully, particularly for outdoor events and barn venues. Our full bar inventory includes several options that double effectively as display surfaces depending on the event aesthetic.

Build Height Into the Display

What serveware do you need to rent for a grazing table?

The most important thing a grazing table needs, beyond the food itself, is height variation. A flat display reads as a spread. A layered display reads as designed. Tiered stands, risers, and cake stands are the tools that create that variation.

The Hamilton Three-Tiered Silver Serving Stand is one of the most versatile pieces in our inventory for this purpose. It creates three distinct levels in a compact footprint and works across both sweet and savory displays. The Willow Two-Tiered Stand is a warmer, more organic option that suits garden-style events and casual gatherings equally well.

For cake and dessert displays specifically, the Marble and Gold Adjustable Cake Stand is a standout piece. The adjustable height makes it useful across different display configurations. Plus, the marble and gold finish photographs particularly well. Round Glass Cake Stands are a simpler, more versatile option that works across almost any aesthetic, all without competing with the food or decor around them.

If you’re seeking general height variation across the table, the Wrought Iron Riser adds an industrial quality. Use it to elevate a serving tray or a smaller platter to create a level change as desired.

Fill the Surface With the Right Serving Pieces

Can you rent tiered stands and serving platters for an event?

Yes, and having the right mix of serving pieces is what makes a grazing table feel abundant rather than sparse. The goal is a range of shapes and sizes that fill the surface without crowding it.

The Charcuterie Board is an obvious starting point for savory grazing tables. Its natural wood surface suits cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and accompaniments. It provides organic warmth to a display that might otherwise feel too polished. For a more formal presentation, Rectangular and Round Silver Trays are the workhorses of the dessert table. They’re versatile, elegant, and they photograph cleanly against almost any linen.

The practical approach is to mix the two. A charcuterie board alongside silver trays creates visual contrast that keeps the eye moving across the table. Pair that with a tiered stand at the back, a cake stand or two in the mid-range, and a riser for height variation. Suddenly, your display has genuine depth!

How do you style a dessert table using rental pieces?

Start at the back and work forward. Place the tallest pieces, tiered stands and elevated cake stands, at the rear of the table. If the table can be approached from all angles, shift the tallest pieces to the center instead so the display reads well from every side. Mid-height pieces like silver trays and the charcuterie board fill the middle. Lower pieces and individual servings sit at the front where guests can reach them easily.

Keep negative space in the design. An overly crowded grazing table looks messy. Gaps between serving pieces give the eye somewhere to rest and make the overall display feel more curated.

Finishing Details That Pull It Together

There are a few smaller additions that will make a notable difference in how the full setup reads. Linen choice sets the tone for everything above it, and the right pick depends on the surface and the event context. For a formal dessert table at a wedding or bridal shower, Sarafina White Floral Textured Linens offer a tone-on-tone floral texture. For a market cart or outdoor grazing setup, the Four Seasons Floral is a fresh pick. Clients who want the serveware to lead and the linen to stay quiet will appreciate the Ivory Luxe linens.

Candles, bud vases, and small floral touches placed between serving pieces soften the display and make it feel less like a food station and more like a styled moment. These aren’t rental pieces, but they’re worth noting because the rental serveware creates the structure they sit within.

From the Surface Up

A grazing or dessert table is one of the most rewarding setups to build well. For events across Middle Tennessee, including Franklin, Nashville, Brentwood, and Spring Hill, it’s also one of the most consistently requested. The rental serveware is what makes the difference between a display that looks assembled and one that looks designed.

To browse our full serveware and display inventory, visit our catalog or reach out to our team to talk through your event setup or needs.

When you picture your next celebration, the food and drinks probably come to mind first. Whether it’s a backyard dinner or a company gathering, catering is what brings people together! But even the best menu needs the right setup to shine. From buffet tables and beverage stations to linens and bar setups, the right event catering rentals allow you to serve, display, and pour in style. Wondering, “how do I choose the right buffet tables for my event”? Let us help you find the perfect pieces for your next celebration.

Beverage Essentials That Keep the Party Flowing

Drinks are often the first thing guests reach for, so your setup should make an impression. Our Barrel Rolling Cooler is perfect for keeping beverages chilled and accessible. Meanwhile, the Hampton Beverage Dispensers make it easy to serve flavored waters, lemonade, or signature cocktails. For cooler months or morning events, multi-cup coffee urns and percolators ensure everyone stays energized and cozy.

For a full bar setup, our Black Jamison Curved Bar or Franklin Sage Bar with a Gold Barback Shelf creates a sleek focal point that fits everything from cocktail parties to formal dinners. Complement your setup with classic glassware, such as the Gatsby Coupe for champagne or a variety of wine glasses to suit your selections. Add a White 6-Tier Serving Tower to display garnishes, glassware, or grab-and-go cocktails with style.

Displays That Steal the Show

Food presentation can make just as much of an impression as the flavor itself. Our Chelsea Marble Top Bar or Market Cart can easily transform into stylish food or dessert displays. They’re especially popular for beverage stations, brunch spreads, and late-night treats. Tiered stands and cake stands like the Marble Gold Cake Stand create height and visual interest on buffet tables while also keeping your setup organized.

Serving Made Stylish

From cocktail hour appetizers to multi-course dinners, serving pieces play a crucial role in your event’s flow and aesthetic. Our Gold Oval Bread Baskets, silver trays, and charcuterie boards bring beauty to every course. For family-style dining, large serving bowls and platters make sharing effortless, while chafing dishes keep food warm and ready to enjoy. Each piece is designed to blend function with form so your event feels polished without being fussy.

Buffet & Tabletop Details

Your buffet tables deserve the same attention as your decor! Pair buffet table rentals with beautiful linens to complete your look. For tablecloths, Havana Parchment offers a timeless neutral, while our Santorini Stripe in French Blue or Rose gives a playful, on-trend twist. Or, for something subtle yet contemporary, the Kennedy Cactus linen adds understated texture. Together, they provide a backdrop that elevates your entire catering setup. After your table linens are chosen, consider Posy Scalloped Napkins or Lucia Frayed Napkins for your dining tables.

Finishing Touches That Make It Memorable

Every celebration is unique, but the goal is always the same: creating a memorable experience. The right catering equipment rentals make that easier—keeping food fresh, drinks flowing, and your presentation flawless. Combine buffet table rentals with beverage station rentals or portable bar rentals for a cohesive look that’s functional and photo-ready.

Whether you’re hosting a casual garden party or a corporate reception, our team helps you curate the ideal mix of rentals to match your space, theme, and guest list. From the first toast to the last slice of cake, Southern Events has everything you need to serve in style. Reach out with questions or request a quote today!

Graduation season is fast approaching and, if you want to host a memorable celebration, it’s time to start planning. After years of hard work, the student in your life deserves recognition for their achievement! Whether they are graduating from high school or college, or if they made the big decision to go back to school. To help you mark the occasion, take a look at our must-have rentals for a summer graduation party.

School Colored Linens

Represent the school you are graduating from or the school you will be attending with bold event linens. We stock tablecloths and napkins in a wide variety of colors and materials. Whether you’re looking for a true University of Tennessee Orange or a shimmering Gold for Vanderbilt University. Keep things casual with our solid poly linens, or achieve a chic look with our luxurious velvet linens. For a more glam vibe, don’t overlook sequin linens!

Tent Packages for Every Party Size

Enjoy the summer sunshine in comfort when you rent one of our Tent Packages. Available in a variety of sizes, our tents can be used to create some shade or keep your company dry in the event of rain. Our Ready to Party Packages come with everything you need to accommodate 30 to 100 guests, including furniture and linens. For small backyard gatherings, one of our Pop Up Tent Packages is perfect for displaying a self-serve food or drink station. As well as party favors or a guest book!

Special Seating for the Grad

Keep the grad front and center of the celebration with a unique chair at the head of the table. It is a small touch that will make them feel extra special for the day! But it will also help direct guests to the graduate, perfect if you’re hoping to snag some photographs. We have many modern specialty chairs to choose from, like our Ghost Acrylic Arm Chair and Farrah Teal Velvet Chair. Or take a look at our retro-chic Gold Bamboo Arm Cha

Catering Rentals & Family Style Serving Pieces

Food and drinks are a must-have for a party. But you can easily minimize clean-up with our convenient catering rentals. We have everything you need, from beverage dispensers to chafing dishes and serving pieces for a stylish self-serve buffet. As well as charcuterie boards and Silver Trays, perfect for creating colorful fruit and cheese-laden grazing boards. Finally, grab a variety of cake or cupcake stands to set up a multi-level display of sweet celebratory treats.

Are there any graduation parties on your summer to-do list? Let Team Southern help you plan a memorable backyard get-together! If any of our party rentals have caught your eye, contact our team at info@southerneventsonline.com. Considering a more unique event theme for your grad? Check out this trendy southern brunch party!

Hosting a party is a wonderful way to celebrate life’s special moments with friends and family. However, in our efforts to create memorable events, we often overlook the environmental impact. From plastic disposables to excessive waste, parties can generate a considerable carbon footprint. But fear not, there is a better way! By choosing sustainable event rentals, we can reduce our ecological footprint while still throwing a stylish gathering. Explore how you can host a feel-good party by renting linens, china, and other serving pieces from Southern Events Online.

High-Quality Linens

When it comes to creating an eco-friendly tablescape, opting for sustainable linens is a fantastic choice. Instead of disposable tablecloths and paper napkins, consider renting high-quality fabric linens. Reusable tablecloths made from natural fibers like linen or cotton not only exude elegance but also reduce waste significantly. We stock a variety of options for every occasion! From whimsical pastels to bold jewel tones and sophisticated patterns. Plus, seasonally-inspired options such as Four Seasons Floral for a sunny summer soiree. Or, perhaps an Ocean Blue Velvet Tablecloth contrasted with Lavender and Hot Pink Napkins for a bold jewel-toned look.

Reusable China and Flatware

Ditch the disposable plates and cutlery in exchange for timeless china and flatware. Renting ceramic or porcelain dishes not only adds sophistication to your table settings. It also helps prevent single-use plastic waste from piling up in landfills, and your garbage cans. Stack our Darcy Charger with the Liana China, along with the Abby silver flatware for a charming vintage-inspired table. Or, for a more modern vibe, complement a Glass Charger with Black Rim and Earthen Alabaster China with Austin Gold Flatware. Need a setting that oozes luxury? You can’t go wrong with our Hamlet China – although the sleek Athena China is equally striking. Moreso when contrasted by the Noir Matte Black Flatware. Mix and match to your heart’s desire, or take a look at some of our favorite on-trend party plates for more inspiration.

Eye-Catching Glassware

One of the biggest culprits of waste at parties is plastic cups. Eliminate this waste by renting glassware for your beverages – an eye-catching alternative! From wine glasses to tumblers and everything in between, glassware rentals add a touch of class and sustainability to your party. In addition to being an easy way to infuse an extra touch of style. Take for example our Cybil glassware, with a funky modern shape. Or our beaded glassware, oozing coastal charm. Furthermore, consider using beverage dispensers for serving drinks. Not only do they look stylish, but they also minimize the need for single-use plastic bottles and cans. Infuse water with fresh fruits or herbs to create a refreshing and visually appealing drink station.

Stylish Serving Pieces

When it comes to serving food, to parties large or small, we offer a variety of options to suit your needs. Chafing dishes, which keep food warm, are excellent for buffet-style events and help reduce food waste by maintaining optimal serving temperatures. Meanwhile, family-style serving bowls encourage guests to share food, fostering a sense of community and reducing individual packaging waste. Finally, silver trays and charcuterie boards lend a touch of sophistication to your spread while avoiding disposable platters and trays.

Hosting a feel-good party with sustainable event rentals will showcase your commitment to the environment. In addition to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests!  Contact our team for help creating a unique tablescape, or if you need more ideas

A memorable event calls for attention to detail! One of our favorite ways to elevate any celebration is with an elegant place setting. From casual backyard gatherings to elegant dinner parties, the right plates can enhance the aesthetic of your event. This said, buying a large number of plates can be expensive! Whereas paper plates are dull and wasteful. That’s where Southern Events comes in! With a large catalog of party plates for rent, we offer an on-trend option for every celebration.

Modern Metallics

Metallics continue to reign supreme in event decor. When it comes to party plates, metal accents are an easy way to turn a plain table setting into a glam spread. We stock a number of chargers with metallics to elevate your table. From a modern Copper Glass Charger to a Silver Round Lacquer Charger. For a more dark and moody vibe, check out our Black Round Lacquer Chargers. Or create a chic place setting with the Silver Beaded Edge Belmont Chargers. Any of these plates is a stunning base for colorful or classic white china!

Chic Party Prints

If you’re looking to infuse your personality and style into your event, printed plates are a beautiful choice. Our inventory includes styles to suit various themes and moods. Whether you’re hosting a whimsical garden party or a bright al fresco dinner party. Feature a metallic accent with the Blair Geometeric or Vera Floral China. Or, add a pop of color with the elegant Laguna or Coronado China. Of course, there is no going wrong with our Carrera Marble Dinner Plates. They look gorgeous on top of a vibrant charger or paired with a colorful napkin!

Down-to-Earthenware

If you desire a more rustic and organic aesthetic, earthenware plates are ideal. Their soft tones, textured surfaces, and imperfect edges exude warmth and charm. Our selection of beautifully crafted earthenware plates is perfect if you are in need of a dinnerware rental. Easily create a modern rustic wedding table with the color Alabaster. Or a bold table for a corporate gala with Onyx. Meanwhile, Stone is a classic and pairs perfectly with soft pastel shades. Such as pink, baby blue, and lavender. For added warmth, we recommend adding a set of velvet napkins.

Textures that Elevate

Placed beneath the main dinner plates, chargers add depth to a table setting. However, you can easily add even more dimension by featuring a textured charger. There is our Rattan White Wash Charger, perfect for a bright and breezy brunch or afternoon tea. As well as a Scalloped Wood Charger, which lends a luxe boho vibe. Or, skip the charger and opt for a crisp set of Glass Mosaic China. A clean and modern look fitting for a gala or fundraiser! Especially when paired with classic white napkins.

Our party plates for rent are a simple way to elevate your event table! Contact our team for help creating a unique place setting, or if you need more ideas. Looking for other ways to create a more luxe look? Take a peek at our napkins, available in a range of brilliant colors.

Emerald and gold speaks to opulence and set the tone for the event design at the 13th Annual Rutherford Society Gala. A black-tie affair, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville in southeast Murfreesboro was transformed into an elegant affair. A mix of vibrant and deep greens, white furniture and golden accents made for a luxurious setting.

It is easy to take emerald and gold event design and end up over the top. With beautiful but simple pieces, a chic and functional space is possible. Alongside a pleasing aesthetic our aim is to eliminate any feelings of claustrophobia. It is a cocktail hour after all! Pieces like our Pearce Furniture, a chic modular lounge, and bistro tables will prompt guests towards social areas for a drink well throughout the evening.

The elegant layout and grandeur spilled over to the main ballroom for a 3-course meal. Paired with rich velvet tablecloths and white linens are the perfect amount of gold metallics to make it all pop! This includes Chiavari Chairs, gold-rimmed Athena Plates, and Austin Flatware. A touch of fresh florals in clear glass vases goes on to add some natural beauty.

Images courtesy of Jen and Chris Creed Photography

Want to feature emerald and gold event design at your next event? Send us a message at info@southerneventsonline.com.

We love our “friendors” here at Southern Event Party Rental Company – we’ve been so lucky to collaborate with some of the best wedding and event vendors in Nashville. One of our favorite Nashville catering companies to partner with is Dream Events & Catering.

As a full-service event company, Dream Events & Catering provides everything from sensational cuisine and entertainment to seamless planning and design for gatherings of two – 10,000. Primarily serving Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky areas, they focus on fresh, local flavors, trends and ingredients as they craft menus and managing all the event details for their clients. We love that they are also invested in the local community, regularly giving back through their various #DreamGiving campaigns.

The Dream Team brings tons of creative menus ideas to every event they produce – many that are as healthy as they are delicious. We love this innovative and flavorful grilled vegan cauliflower entree– pictured here on our favorite Black and White Tribeca Triangle Plates and Brushed Copper Flatware!

Their gourmet cuisine is always perfectly plated on our event rentals. Morning meetings are expertly planned with fresh (and colorful) juices, and winter gatherings always end with a tasty signature treat. After 25 years serving the Nashville community, Dream Events & Catering ensures a graceful event flow and delicious events. They also can take on full-service planning, too! Their wedding & event specialists will assist you with the design, logistics and vendor coordination of your event.

They also know how to impress with Southern favorites like charred Brussels Sprouts (show in our Pewter Bowl below) or their famous smoked gouda mac & cheese. Just one of many caterers in Nashville we love to work with, when you need a delicious menu for your next event, reach out to the Dream Team at hello@dreameventsandcatering.com.

 Photos by Jen and Chris Creed.