Baptism and Christening Party Rentals: Tables, Chairs and Layouts

Baptisms and christenings take place in many Christian traditions, and the celebration afterward ranges from cake at home to a banquet-hall luncheon. In Chicago and the suburbs, families often host in a parish hall, a restaurant private room, a banquet hall or a backyard. Whatever the setting, the guest list usually spans babies to great-grandparents, so comfort and flexibility matter more than style.

What this party needs

• Seats for everyone at once. The meal follows the service, so most guests sit together. Plan one chair per guest.
• High chairs and a baby station. Parents need a safe place for babies. See high chairs and baby station at events.
• A kids table for toddlers and older children, near their parents.
• A cake and dessert table. The cake is often the center of attention.
• A gift and card table, or a card box. See card box and gift table ideas.
• A photo area, often with a backdrop or simple balloon display.

Table and chair counts

Count children as guests. A child under 5 may share a parent's chair, but plan chairs for everyone to be safe. For a church hall or restaurant, ask what is included. Many parish halls have tables and chairs.

Linens and colors

White, ivory, soft blue, soft pink and sage are common baptism colors, but any palette works. A 72-inch round table with a floor-length cloth needs a 132-inch round, and a 60-inch round needs a 120-inch round. See the tablecloth size chart. Keep patterned linens simple, because the cake and flowers will carry the decor.

Chairs that suit the day

Choose comfortable chairs for older relatives and sturdy chairs for children. Ghost chairs ($10 to $14 estimated) keep a light, airy look, Windsor spindle chairs ($9 to $12) bring a soft, traditional shape and garden folding chairs ($5 to $7) are budget friendly for a backyard. For the parents, a pair of velvet dining chairs ($18 to $25) at the head table makes a gentle focal point.

The cake and dessert table

A 6-foot banquet table with a floor-length cloth fits a cake, a cake stand, plates and napkins. Place it away from direct sun and the entrance. See cake stand sizes and dessert and cake plates. Plan 1 dessert plate and 1 fork per guest, plus a few extra.

Timing the day around naps and church

Most baptism parties follow the service, so the schedule is tight. A common pattern is church at 11 a.m. and lunch by 1 p.m., which leaves little time to arrange tables if rentals arrive late. Ask the rental company to deliver and set up before the service starts, and ask a friend or relative to be on site to receive the delivery. Babies often nap in the early afternoon, so a quiet corner with a portable crib or a stroller parking area helps. Keep the cake cutting early so tired toddlers do not miss it, and plan the toast before the food gets cold.

Think through the flow once before the day: guests arrive, find a seat, eat, see the cake, take photos and say goodbye. If the entrance, the cake table and the photo corner are all in one spot, the line backs up. Spread them out and mark each with a small sign.

Chicago notes

• Spring and early summer weekends are busy. Book your hall and rentals early. See when to book.
• Backyard parties in the suburbs may need a tent or umbrellas for shade. See market umbrellas for shade.
• Winter baptisms need a coat rack. See coat racks for winter events.

Plan your party

Tell us your guest count and venue and we will help you choose tables, chairs and linens in one call. Book a free 15-minute seating call or request a quote.