Christmas is one of the most wonderful times of the year to bring family and friends together.
Whether you're hosting Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day lunch, a holiday brunch, or a large family reunion, there's something special about gathering everyone around the table.
But hosting Christmas can also come with challenges.
You may have enough space for your immediate family, but what happens when 15, 20, or even 30 relatives are coming over?
Suddenly, you need extra chairs, tables, plates, glasses, and somewhere for everyone to sit comfortably.
The good news? **You don't need to buy extra furniture or spend a fortune to host a beautiful Christmas celebration.**
With a little planning and affordable party rentals, you can transform your home into a welcoming holiday gathering space.
Here are our favourite tips for organizing a memorable Christmas family gathering in Ottawa.
1. Start With Your Guest List
Before planning decorations or shopping for Christmas dinner, determine how many guests you're expecting.
Will you be hosting:
- 10–15 family members for Christmas Eve?
- 20–30 relatives for Christmas dinner?
- A larger extended-family gathering?
- A holiday open house with guests arriving at different times?
Your guest count determines how many chairs, tables, and place settings you'll need.
Remember to include children when planning seating.
If you're expecting 25 guests but only have seating for 12, renting additional chairs and tables can be much easier than buying furniture you'll only use once or twice a year.
2. Rent Extra Tables Instead of Buying Them
One of the biggest challenges when hosting Christmas dinner is finding enough dining space.
Your regular dining table may comfortably seat six or eight people, but holiday gatherings often require much more.
A simple solution is renting additional folding tables.
Rectangular Tables for Family-Style Christmas Dinner
Six-foot rectangular tables work beautifully for larger gatherings.
They can be arranged end-to-end to create one long dining table or placed separately throughout the room.
This is especially useful for family gatherings in homes throughout Orléans, Ottawa, Kanata, Barrhaven, and surrounding communities.
Round Tables for Larger Rooms
Round tables are ideal when you have a large basement, finished recreation room, or open-concept living space.
They encourage conversation and can create a more traditional banquet-style setup.
Extra Tables for Food and Desserts
Don't forget that you may need additional tables for:
- Christmas buffet
- Dessert station
- Drinks
- Children's activities
- Gifts
- Coffee and tea
Explore available table rentals at Ottawa Party & Event Rentals.
3. Make Sure Everyone Has a Comfortable Chair
We've all been to a Christmas gathering where someone ends up sitting on a stool, an office chair, or the edge of the couch during dinner.
It works, but it isn't always comfortable.
Renting extra chairs ensures everyone has a proper seat.
White folding chairs are a practical option because they work with almost any holiday décor.
They're also easy to arrange around additional dining tables.
For families hosting Christmas dinner, renting 10 or 20 extra chairs can make a significant difference without requiring a permanent furniture purchase.
4. Create a Beautiful Christmas Table Without Spending a Fortune
You don't need expensive decorations to create an elegant Christmas table.
Start with a simple tablecloth and choose a festive colour palette.
Some beautiful combinations include:
**Classic Christmas:** Red, green, and gold.
**Elegant Holiday:** White, champagne, and gold.
**Winter Wonderland:** White, silver, and navy.
**Rustic Christmas:** Evergreen, cream, and natural wood.
Add a few simple decorations such as:
- Evergreen branches
- Battery-operated candles
- Pinecones
- Small ornaments
- Festive napkins
- Mini floral arrangements
The goal is to create a warm atmosphere without overcrowding the table.
Remember that your guests still need space for plates, glasses, and food.
5. Rent Dinnerware and Glassware
Hosting a large Christmas dinner often means discovering that you don't have enough matching plates or glasses.
Instead of purchasing another 20 dinner plates, consider renting them.
Dinnerware rentals are especially useful when you're hosting a large family gathering but don't want to store extra dishes throughout the year.
You can create a coordinated table setting using:
- Wine glasses
- Cutlery
- Tablecloths
- Napkins
Real dinnerware can also make a family Christmas meal feel more special than disposable plates.
Before ordering, count what you already own so you only rent what you actually need.
6. Create a Separate Children's Table
If several children are attending your Christmas gathering, consider creating a dedicated kids' table.
This can make the event more enjoyable for everyone.
Set up a small area with:
- A low table
- Colouring pages
- Crayons
- Simple holiday crafts
- Small Christmas activities
A children's area gives younger guests somewhere to play while adults enjoy conversation.
For families hosting in Ottawa during the winter, this can be particularly useful when outdoor play isn't practical.
7. Plan a Simple Christmas Buffet
A buffet can be easier than serving a large family-style dinner at one table.
You can create a buffet station using one or two rectangular tables.
Arrange the food in a logical order:
1. Plates
2. Main dishes
3. Side dishes
4. Cutlery and napkins
Keep drinks on a separate table if space allows.
This helps reduce congestion around the food and gives guests more room to move.
8. Use Your Basement or Living Room Creatively
You don't need a large dining room to host Christmas.
Many Ottawa homes have finished basements, open-concept living rooms, or other flexible spaces.
With rental tables and chairs, these areas can become temporary dining rooms.
Measure the room before ordering furniture.
Make sure guests can move comfortably around the tables and that exits remain accessible.
You may be surprised how much additional seating you can create with a thoughtful layout.
9. Keep Christmas Decorations Simple
Your Christmas tree may already be the main decoration in your home.
You don't need to decorate every corner.
Focus on:
- The dining table
- The entrance
- The buffet area
- One photo spot
Warm lighting, festive music, and good food can do much of the work.
10. Plan Ahead to Reduce Holiday Stress
Christmas is a busy season for families and event rental companies.
If you know you're hosting a large gathering, start planning your rental needs early.
Confirm your guest count, measure your available space, and decide what furniture or dinnerware you need.
Arrange delivery or pickup ahead of time, particularly around Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
This gives you more time to focus on cooking, decorating, and enjoying the celebration.
Make Your Christmas Gathering Memorable, Not Expensive
Your family won't remember whether you bought or rented the extra chairs.
They'll remember being together.
A beautiful Christmas gathering doesn't require a perfect home, expensive decorations, or a luxury dining room.
It requires a welcoming atmosphere, comfortable seating, and a little thoughtful planning.
Renting extra tables, chairs, and dinnerware can make hosting easier without filling your garage with furniture you won't use again.
Planning a Christmas Family Gathering in Ottawa?
Ottawa Party & Event Rentals offers affordable party rentals for Christmas dinners, holiday gatherings, family celebrations, and special events throughout Ottawa and surrounding communities.
Explore our rental options, including tables, chairs, linens, dinnerware, glassware, and children's party furniture.
Website: https://www.ottawapartyandeventrentals.ca
Email: info@ottawapartyandeventrentals.ca
Phone: 613-868-6755
Contact us with your holiday date, location, and guest count to request availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I rent extra chairs for Christmas dinner in Ottawa?
Ottawa Party & Event Rentals offers chair rentals for Christmas dinners, family gatherings, and other special events. Contact us to confirm availability for your preferred dates.
Can I rent tables for Christmas Day?
Holiday availability depends on the rental schedule. Booking early is recommended, particularly for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
How many tables do I need for 20 Christmas dinner guests?
The number depends on the table size and seating arrangement. Consider your existing dining table and the amount of available space before deciding how many additional tables to rent.
Can I rent plates and wine glasses for Christmas dinner?
Yes. Dinnerware and glassware rentals can be a practical option for families hosting more guests than their regular household supplies can accommodate.
Is renting chairs and tables cheaper than buying them?
For occasional holiday gatherings, renting is often more practical because you avoid purchasing, storing, and maintaining furniture that may only be used once or twice a year.