Rent a chic tablescape

The new trend for hiring a tablescape – where you simply pick the party look you want and rent what you need – is a welcome concept. Whether it’s for two people or more, it’s never been easier to roll out a spot of stylish entertaining at home.

LAY LONDON

With the tag line ‘revolutionising the way we host’, Lay London, which launched back in February, is the capital’s first curated tableware service. Founded by sisters Jemima and Alice Herbert, Lay London offers a ‘More fun. Less fuss. No waste’ approach to entertaining at home. There are five beautiful collections to choose from, delivered to your door in swish Lay London branded padded bags from

£25 a place setting. They even provide name cards for you to handwrite the names of your guests on. (laylondon.com)

DUCHESS & BUTLER

Boasting nothing but the finest glassware and dinnerware, Duchess & Butler offers tablescapes and party planning for people who are serious about entertaining. Their eye for opulent traditional style has proved so popular you can now also shop the tableware to keep via the website. (duchessandbutler.com)

BANQUET

Offering contemporary tablescapes, you can choose from styles such as Scandi Minimalism, Midnight Galaxy and Egyptian Feast. Packages start at £125 based on settings for six people (you can have more) and they can provide everything you need, minus the food! (banquettablescape.co.uk)

MAISON MARGAUX

Aiming to take all the hassle out of entertaining, Maison Margaux sources products and tableware from a range of international artisan makers, ensuring a unique collection of tablescaping choices. For parties of 10-25 guests choose from the At Home looks. You can ask for a bespoke service for smaller or larger parties. (maisonmargauxltd.com)