Good food is only half the equation at any catered event. The other half is having the right equipment to keep it at the right temperature, move it safely from kitchen to guest, and present it in a way that reflects the care that went into preparing it. At Southern Events, we carry catering equipment rentals that support professional caterers and hosts alike, from the prep stage through the final course.

Keeping Food at the Right Temperature

What is the difference between a hot box and a chafing dish?

They solve different problems. A chafing dish keeps food warm on the serving line, in front of guests, using either Sterno fuel or an electric heat source. A hot box holds large quantities of food at temperature during transport or in a holding area before service begins. Both are essential for a catered event. They just work at different stages of the process.

For the serving line, chafing dishes are the standard. The Stainless Chafing Dish is the workhorse option, clean and functional across almost any event type. The Round Chafing Dish and Soup Chafing Dish cover different menu formats and serving styles. For a more styled presentation, the Midtown Hammered Round Display and Midtown Warming Bowl bring a polished, elevated look to the buffet line without sacrificing function.

For holding and transport, the options depend on the volume and distance involved. The Insulated Hot Box is the most reliable choice for keeping large quantities of plated or pan food at temperature over time. The Sterno Hot Box is a lighter, more portable option suited to smaller loads. The Insulated Food Pan Carrier handles individual pan transport cleanly and efficiently. For large-scale plated dinners, the Carter Hoffman holds up to 144 plates at temperature and is one of the most practical pieces of equipment for a formal seated event.

Cooking and Prep Equipment

Do you need a convection oven rental for an event?

It depends on the menu and the venue. If you’re working from a fully equipped commercial kitchen on-site, probably not. If the venue has limited kitchen access or you need additional cooking capacity, a convection oven rental fills that gap without requiring a permanent installation.

The Full Size Convection Oven handles high-volume cooking and is the right choice for larger events where output and consistency both matter. The Tabletop Convection Oven is a compact alternative suited to smaller menus or supplemental cooking needs. For events with a carving station, the Carving Station with Heat Lamp keeps meat at temperature and presentation-ready throughout service. The Open Sheet Pan Speed Rack is a practical addition for any kitchen setup that needs organized, accessible storage during prep.

Serving Pieces That Work as Hard as They Look

What catering equipment do you need to rent for an event?

Beyond the warming and cooking equipment, the serving pieces are what guests actually interact with. Trays, baskets, tiered stands, and boards are where function and presentation meet.

For straightforward serving needs, the Carson Silver Trays in rectangle and round are clean, versatile, and suit almost any event type. The Silver Hammered Round Tray adds a more textured, styled finish that works well at formal events and galas. For bread and passed items, the Gold Oval Bread Basket and Brown Oval Rattan Bread Basket cover both formal and organic aesthetic directions.

The Hamilton 3-Tier Silver Serving Stand is one of the most useful pieces in the lineup for dessert displays, appetizer presentations, and grazing setups. It creates height variation in a compact footprint and works across a wide range of event styles. The Charcuterie Board is the natural companion for grazing tables and cocktail hour food stations. And Serving Utensils are available across a range of styles to complete the service setup.

Display and Dessert Presentation

A dessert table or cake display is one of the most photographed moments at any event. The right stands make the difference between a display that reads as intentional and one that reads as an afterthought.

The Marble and Gold Cake Stand is the most striking single piece in our display inventory. Its finish photographs beautifully and suits formal weddings and upscale social events. The Willow Two Tiered Stand and Willow Pedestal Cake Stands are warmer, more organic options that suit garden-style and casual events. For a clean, minimal display, the Round Glass Cake Stands in 7.5 and 8 inch sizes work across almost any aesthetic without drawing attention away from what’s on them.

Finishing the Full Table

Catering equipment handles the food. The table presentation handles the impression it leaves. Linens, china, flatware, and glassware are the layer that ties the catering setup into the overall event design. A buffet line dressed with the right linen and served from coordinated china reads as part of a designed event rather than a service station dropped into the middle of one. For caterers building a complete rental order, these categories are worth including from the start rather than adding as an afterthought.

Event Day Starts Well Before the First Guest Arrives

The right catering equipment rentals don’t just support service. They reduce the variables that create problems during the most time-pressured part of any event. For caterers and event hosts across Middle Tennessee, including Franklin, Nashville, Brentwood, and Spring Hill, Southern Events carries the equipment to get the job done cleanly. Browse our full catering equipment inventory or reach out to our team to build your rental order.

Graduation season is one of our favorite times of year. It is a moment worth celebrating with the people who made it possible, and we love helping Middle Tennessee families pull it all together. Whether you are hosting a backyard cookout for close family or a larger open house for the whole crew, our graduation party rentals make it easy to set up a space that feels intentional without a lot of stress. Here is a look at what we have in stock and how it all comes together.

Start With School Colors

One of the easiest ways to make a graduation party feel personal is to lean into school colors. Our linen inventory covers a wide range of colors, and we carry shades that work across Tennessee’s biggest schools and universities. Whether you need orange, blue, purple, or classic black and white, we have options. Coordinating table linens with your grad’s colors is a simple touch that ties the whole space together.

Seating and Tables That Actually Work

For most graduation parties, simple and functional wins. Our white and black resin folding chairs are clean, comfortable, and easy to arrange across any layout. They hold up well outdoors and photograph nicely without competing with your decor. Pair them with our folding tables in the sizes that fit your space and guest count. Round tables work well for seated meals, while rectangular or banquet tables are great for food and beverage stations.

Incorporate Shelving for Memorabilia

This one is a favorite! Our white and black shelving units make a beautiful display surface for photos, trophies, awards, and other mementos from your grad’s journey. Give a nod to their future too by filling a shelf with degree-focused gifts or fun school spirit items. Set it up near the entrance or as a backdrop for the dessert table, and it will double as both decor and a conversation piece. Guests will love it.

Lounge Areas for Guests Who Want to Settle In

Not everyone wants to stand the whole party. A dedicated lounge area gives guests a place to relax, catch up, and stay longer. Sofas, loveseats, accent chairs, and ottomans can be arranged in a corner of the yard or under a tent to create a comfortable gathering zone separate from the main dining area. It is a small addition that makes a big difference in how the party flows.

Lighting for Casual and Late-Night Celebrations

If your party is running into the evening, lighting matters. Our gold tabletop lamps are one of our go-to recommendations for backyard graduations. They add warmth and a polished touch without feeling overdressed for a casual celebration. Scatter them across food tables, the lounge area, or gift tables for an easy glow that works well after sunset. And they are rechargeable, so there’s no need to plug them in!

Plan for the Weather

Graduation season in Tennessee is beautiful, but it is also the rainy season. We strongly recommend considering a tent for any outdoor event scheduled between April and June. A tent keeps the party going regardless of how the forecast unfolds, and it also provides shade on those hot, sunny days. We also carry a hammered fire pit for cooler spring evenings when guests need just a little extra warmth to stay comfortable outside.

Catering and Beverage Essentials

Food and drinks are the heart of any graduation party, and we have the catering rentals to support it. Chafing dishes keep food warm and presentable throughout the party. Beverage dispensers are perfect for lemonade, sweet tea, or infused water stations. Drink tubs and coolers are great for self-serve setups that keep guests from crowding around a single cooler. These pieces make a buffet or food station feel organized and easy to navigate.

For Those Who Want to Go a Little More Elegant

Most graduation parties keep it casual, and there is nothing wrong with that. But if you are hosting a more intimate dinner or simply want the tabletop to feel elevated, we have options. Our china, glassware, and flatware collections are available for those who want the table to feel special. A thoughtfully set table paired with school color linens can turn a backyard dinner into something really memorable.

Let’s Build Your Graduation Party Together

We love helping Middle Tennessee families celebrate this milestone! Our team is happy to talk through your space, your guest count, and your setup to make sure you have everything you need. Reach out today to get started on your graduation party rentals.

Every memorable event has a moment where all eyes turn forward. Whether it’s a first dance, a keynote speaker, a live band, or a head table reveal, event staging creates the foundation for those moments to unfold. Thoughtful staging doesn’t just elevate visibility. It adds structure, intention, and polish to the overall experience. At Southern Events, our event staging rentals are designed to support everything from simple presentations to full-scale performances.

The Building Blocks of Event Staging

At its core, event staging starts with a solid platform. Our staging systems allow you to create anything from a modest riser for speakers to a larger stage for bands or ceremonies. Platforms are available with or without carpet, giving you the flexibility to match the tone of your event, whether that’s clean and minimal or warm and refined. To ensure accessibility and flow, we also offer coordinated steps and staircases. These details may seem small, but they play an important role in guest comfort, performer safety, and overall presentation.

Finished Looks with Custom Stage Details

A well-designed stage feels intentional from every angle. For events that call for a more polished appearance, our Thompson White Stage Facade provides structure and visual interest. These elements are customizable, allowing for different combinations and inset options that work seamlessly with your event aesthetic.

Stage skirting is another subtle but impactful upgrade. Available in natural or black, skirting helps conceal cords, equipment, and structural elements beneath the stage, creating a clean, finished look that photographs beautifully.

As a bonus, many hosts choose to pair staging with our Dura Trac Floors, which offer endless configuration options for dance floors or performance areas. Together, these elements allow you to create a cohesive, custom space that feels purpose-built for your event.

Backdrops with Pipe and Drape

Pipe and drape rentals offer versatility beyond the stage itself. They can be used to frame a performance area, create a dramatic backdrop, or define a backstage zone. Pipe and drape are especially helpful in large venues where you want to guide attention forward or soften the space visually. Whether used behind a band, along a runway, or as a subtle divider, it can help shape the environment while keeping the focus where it belongs.

Comfortable and Functional Backstage Areas

Behind every great performance is a well-considered backstage space. From green rooms to holding areas, having a comfortable place for performers or speakers to prepare makes a noticeable difference. We offer a wide range of lounge furniture, including sofas, chairs, rugs, and accent tables, to create backstage areas that feel relaxed and functional. These spaces don’t have to feel temporary or utilitarian. With the right pieces, they can be just as thoughtfully designed as the front of the house.

Crowd Flow and Visual Boundaries

Rope and stanchion rentals play an important role in both safety and presentation. They help manage crowd flow, protect performance areas, and establish clear boundaries without feeling intrusive. These rentals are especially popular for red carpet moments, live bands at weddings, and high-energy events where guiding guest movement is key. Beyond function, rope and stanchions also add a subtle layer of formality and structure to the overall setup.

Bringing the Whole Scene Together

Event staging is about more than platforms and risers. It’s about creating a space where moments feel elevated, performances feel intentional, and guests feel engaged. If you’re planning an event and need help designing a stage setup that feels cohesive and considered, our team at Southern Events is here to help. Reach out to start planning your event staging rentals and bring your vision to life.

When it comes to event venues, The Barn at Sycamore Farms is a total showstopper. Think rustic charm meets modern elegance—a dreamy mashup of high ceilings, twinkling chandeliers, and those warm wood tones that make your Pinterest board jealous. Oh, and did we mention it’s fully equipped with heat and A/C? That’s right—no sweating through your vows or shivering over dinner here! Keep reading for ideas on how to customize the modern barn venue, plus some of our event rentals that can be used to elevate the space.

Room for Everyone (Seriously, Everyone)

Planning a wedding or corporate event with a guest list that just won’t quit? Sycamore Farms can comfortably host up to 400 guests, making it the perfect spot for grand celebrations—whether it’s a black-tie gala or a barn-chic wedding. And Southern Events Party Rental is here to help deck it out with our swoon-worthy rentals, from elegant lounge furniture to classic Chiavari chairs. Because if you’re going big, you might as well go stylish.

Say “I Do” to Tennessee Views

If you’re all about those outdoor wedding vibes, Sycamore Farms delivers. With not one, not two, but THREE stunning ceremony locations, you’ve got options. Whether you envision a waterside “I do” or a lush garden backdrop, there’s a picture-perfect spot waiting for you. And yes, we’ve got the chairs to seat every single guest comfortably—no standing-room-only situations here! To keep guests cool throughout the ceremony, consider greeting them with champagne or lemonade displayed on a white bookcase.

The Oversized Patio

Love the idea of fresh air but still want those modern amenities? The oversized patio at Sycamore Farms is the ultimate happy medium. Whether your guests are cooling off in the shade or cozying up near the heat lamps, this space is prime real estate for mingling. We’ve seen it styled in so many creative ways—from our Thompson Full Oval White Bar to colorful linen-dressed cocktail tables. Basically, it’s a blank canvas for whatever your party-planning heart desires.

A Barn, But Make it Luxe

Forget what you think you know about barn venues—this one is next-level. With soaring wooden beams and a jaw-dropping chandelier, Sycamore Farms is where rustic meets regal. Whether you’re hosting a gala, fundraiser, or a wedding that feels straight out of a movie, this space transforms to match any vibe you’re going for. To lean into the elevated aesthetic, consider a dance floor rental – available in black, white, or black and white.

Let’s Make Some Magic

If you’re planning a large event in Franklin, Nashville, or anywhere in Middle Tennessee, consider this your sign to book The Barn at Sycamore Farms. And of course, Southern Events Party Rental is ready to help bring your vision to life with stylish rentals that elevate any space. Let’s chat—reach out to info@southerneventsonline.com today!

Say “Goodbye” to the days of worrying about the wear and tear of floors or grass at your event. And let us introduce you to durable and stylish event flooring! Our team understands that the floor is the foundation for your event, and will lend to a more cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look. Get inspired for your upcoming celebration in Nashville, when you check out our trendy yet functional in-stock flooring options.

Dura-Trac Flooring

Made for the event industry by special event flooring experts, Dura-Trac flooring is an easy-to-install flooring system designed to protect your existing space. The interlocking panel system is the perfect way to protect your space and your guests, making it ideal for festivals, concerts, tented parties, and more! It can be installed over a variety of surfaces, including those that are uneven. Best of all, it can be customized by placing premium vinyl flooring or carpeting over the top. To learn more about our Dura-Trac flooring, download our PDF.

Artificial Grass

Why would you use artificial grass at your event? It’s a unique option that will lend a fun touch of texture to your event. For an indoor event, it will also lend traction, making it perfect for placing on top of existing tile or vinyl flooring. For warm-weather outdoor events, it will actually offer a more natural and welcoming look. Consider renting it for your next tailgating party, trade-show exhibit, or church picnic!

Photo by Garrett Richardson

Dance Floors

Some flooring is limited to certain areas of your event space, like dance floors. They act as a focal point within an event space, in addition to being a designated area for entertainment. We offer a selection of dance floors, for a variety of different event types and themes. Although our classic White and Black dance floor is popular, our Plank Wood dance floor will lend a modern and timeless look to your event.

Photo by Phindy Studios

If you’ve been looking for event rentals that both functional and stylish, we’re your people! Send us an email at info@southerneventsonline.com for help choosing the best event flooring.

City Winery in Nashville, TN is a wedding & event venue offering downtown vibes, urban feels, and a completely blank canvas to create exactly the theme you’re wanting for your next event. The venue’s passion to pair culinary and cultural experiences in a unique way makes it a wonderful place to hold private events. Southern Events has loved being part of several of them. The venue has the capacity to host events for intimate private dinners as well as full production concerts. With several distinct spaces, you could host up to 1,200 guests at City Winery.

City Winery is fully finished sapce–and at the same time is ready for you to add your personal touches. We’ve been a part of a myriad of events at this venue, ranging from luxe to glam to modern (and pretty much everything in between). If you’re wanting an event space that lets you bring your ideas to life (whatever those ideas may be), this venue is perfect.

Images by Twila’s Photography.

Southern Events recently took part in an Open House at City Winery, and we love how our gorgeous rentals shine at this venue. We used a combination of gold, neutral, and blush to create a luxe feel. Add to that beautiful color combination modern materials like our Acrylic Chairs, Midas Gold Bench, and Gold Furrow Linen, and it was definitely swoon-worthy.

We absolutely adore all the possibilities available at City Winery. Whether you’re going full-on “honky-tonk” or wanting a feminine and modern look, you can make it all happen here.

Beautiful images were taken by Erin Allender.

Wanting to host an event in a unique Nashville venue? We’d love to help you create a beautiful space. Send us an email at info@southerneventsonline.com

A waterfall. 138 acres of a reclaimed rock quarry. Forest and meadow. Streams and ponds. Limestone cliff walls. We aren’t talking about some magical land in a Disney movie. We are talking about a real-life wedding venue in Nashville–Graystone Quarry.

Photography by Amilia Photography

Graystone Quarry, located in Nashville, TN, is a sought-after venue for weddings and events. Full of natural beauty and resonating with history and culture, this Nashville venue has limitless options for a sure-to-be-talked-about wedding or event. As the exclusive rental company for Graystone Quarry, Southern Events Party Rental Company has had the honor of working with their team to create a multitude of event design and looks for weddings and events at this venue. From moody & elegant to timeless & classic, the property’s stone backdrops and upscale buildings work with any event style.

Wedding Ceremony Space

Graystone Quarry’s signature glass doors inside of the Hillside Pavilion have been the quiet and reverent observers of vows exchanged. Couples can choose between opening all three glass doors or leaving them closed. Guests are treated to gorgeous views from every angle. The benches found here stay with the venue.

Florals by Enchanted Florist and photography by Kelly and Logan Photography

Florals by Enchanted Florist and photography by Teale Photography

Wedding Reception Space

After the wedding ceremony, guests are taken to the wedding reception area–the Gathering Hall, where they find a fireplace, a double staircase, and glass doors opening to a courtyard (complete with a pond and a 20-foot waterfall). The Gathering Hall boasts plenty of seating, a sweetheart table directly near the fireplace, and dramatic backdrops at every turn.

With all their events, one thing remains the same, and that is that each event is equally memorable, meaningful, and magical. To top it off, you will be sure to find Southern hospitality at each and every turn. If you’re seeking a wedding or event venue that is equally unique and breathtaking, charming and memorable, historic and gracious–Graystone Quarry fits the bill.

Florals by Enchanted Florist and photography by Teale Photography

If you’re hosting a large event in the Franklin, Nashville, or Middle Tennessee areas the teams at Southern Events Online and Graystone Quarry can bring your desired event to life. Want to learn more? Contact info@southerneventsonline.com to chat today!

Here at Southern Events, we love a modern tablescape! While modern can sometimes mean stark or cold, your table design can have a modern feel and still be elegant and timeless.  With earthy elements, luxe fabrics, clean lines, and ghost chairs, we created three modern Southern tablescapes to inspire you.

#1 Modern Luxe Tablescape

Moody and glam, our modern luxe style features our Black Dupioni Linen, Carrera Marble Dinner Plates, Cybil Glassware, Sofia Flatware and Glass Chargers with Gold Rim. Taper candles in a sleek iron candle holder with carefully placed succulents as well as our Acrylic Armless Ghost Chairs, give this tablescape it’s modern lines while remaining understated. This table design would be perfect for a black tie gala, fundraiser or chic rehearsal dinner.

#2 Modern Seaside Southern Tablescape

Navy linens, relaxed china & glassware combine with an airy centerpiece and copper flatware to create a tablescape perfect for dining al fresco! For this modern seaside-inspired Southern tablescape, we used our Navy Blue Velvet Linens, Earthen China, Davis Glassware and Brushed Copper Flatware. Our Acrylic Armless Ghost Chairs once again keep this relaxed tablescape modern. Plus, we love using navy as a neutral, especially when it’s velvet.

#3 Modern Tuscan Southern Tablescape

Give your event a modern Tuscan feel! With patterned dinnerware, aqua linens and an oversized, this modern southern tablescape just needs wine! Featuring our Coronado China, Earthen China, Sofia Flatware, Davis Glassware, Ocean Blue Velvet Linens, Dove Gray Chiffon Runner, and Acrylic Armless Ghost Chairs. The bold linen and coordinating china are reminiscent of Italy art and flair, while the simple centerpiece and glassware keep this modern look the perfect fit for outdoor garden events, dinner parties and springtime wedding & baby showers.

 Photos by Jen and Chris Creed Photography

Looking for more style inspiration? Our galleries feature various rentals based on type and style of your event.

Our Nashville event rentals were on display at our most recent styled shoot at Nashville’s White Dove Barn, where we dreamed up a boho fall wedding design with some amazing vendor friends!

The scene was set perfectly for our Fall-inspired boho wedding style shoot with Harlin Dining Chairs bringing natural wood to a beautiful white canvas.

The elegant boho fall wedding tablescape started with charcoal gray linens, where Pure Glassware added striking cleaning lines next to the whimsical centerpiece by the amazing Kennedy Occasions and Feather and Oak Tennessee. Peachy-taupe taper candles from Creative Candles added a bit of romance, while our Carerra Marble Dinner Plates and gold Austin Flatware pulled the gold and gray accents together for a perfect design.

Thank you again Alex Thorton for the beautiful photos, and for Kennedy Occasions for pulling all the beautiful details on this boho fall wedding together.

Looking to dazzle at your next occasion? Southern has all you need for your next Franklin, Nashville or Middle Tennessee event. Reach out to info@southerneventsonline.com to reserve any of the items you see! 

Looking for more beautiful Styled Shoots with gorgeous Nashville event rentals? Visit our blog for more inspiration or reach out for a quote!

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.