Baby Shower Rentals and Seating: Tables, Chairs and the Gift Corner

Baby showers are small and personal. Most guests are family and close friends, they stay for two to three hours, and most of the time is spent sitting, eating, playing a game and opening gifts. Chairs matter more than at a standing party, and sightlines to the gift area matter more than the centerpiece.

Layout for a 30-guest shower

What to rent

Chairs

Guests will sit for a while. Choose comfortable ones, with a decent seat and back. Cross-back chairs, estimated at $8 to $11 each, suit a rustic brunch. Ghost chairs, about $10 to $14, keep a pastel color scheme clean. Rattan garden chairs look lovely for a garden shower. For the mom-to-be, a velvet dining chair or a Louis medallion chair with a sash or flower garland becomes the party's focal point. Note that the chair should have a sturdy back and comfortable seat for pregnancy.

Tables

• Round tables seat 6 to 8. Use 48-inch rounds for 6 and 60-inch rounds for 8.
• One 6-foot table for the gift display, one for food, and a small one for games or favors.
• A cake or dessert table, often a 36-inch or 48-inch round.

Linens

Floor-length cloths on the display tables hide boxes and bags. For guests' tables, a runner or an overlay on a plain cloth is enough. See the tablecloth size chart.

Counts by guest list

The extra chair is for the mom-to-be if she's not one of the counted guests. Check what size tent you need for outdoor sizing.

Plan for the gift moment

Gift opening takes 20 to 40 minutes for 30 guests, longer if you pass each gift around. Seating should face the mom-to-be. Put a trash bag within reach, a notebook for who gave what, and a small table next to her. Make sure there's enough floor room behind her for a helper.

Comfort details for the guest of honor

Place her seat near restrooms and out of the sun. Provide a footstool if she wants one, and a cushion. Keep drinks and food within reach of her seat. Avoid chairs that are very low or that require pushing up from a deep cushion.

Chicago-area notes

Showers often happen at restaurants, banquet rooms and homes, and in spring and summer in backyards. If you are hosting at a restaurant, ask whether you can bring in rentals or decorations, and whether there's a room fee. At home, check parking for older guests and plan a rain backup. For an outdoor shower, a tent or canopy shields gifts and food from weather. See Chicago tent permit rules for tents in the city, and check your village for suburbs.

Set up the whole shower

Book a free 15-minute seating call and we'll help you pick chairs and tables, or request a quote with your date and guest count.