One night sit...

September 23, 2009 2:58 PM

InstaPartyFilter: Where (in D/FW area) can I rent a couple of couches just for an evening?! ..and ideally have them delivered/picked up...

Throwing a small-ish (40-50 folks), tame, holiday party at a rented public-facility cabin on urban lake. It's got a fireplace and is generally cozy. I'd like to set up couches instead of the provided folding chairs, better ambiance, dontchaknow...?! ;)

Who's gonna rent me furniture for 6 hours AND bring it to me/haul it away ...?

Only seen tents, margarita machines, bounce houses (!) etc at "party rental" places. I doubt standard furniture rental places will do it (since they'll guess we're gonna spill beer all over them).

Ideas?

posted by TigerMoth to Grab Bag (9 answers total)

Your best bet would be to contact a wedding planner and ask them where they often rent their furniture. I have been to a few weddings where people have completely transformed a space with rented couches/chairs. Forewarning, it is going to be EXPENSIVE. I know when I was helping my friend with her wedding and she rented a few ottomans and loveseats to scatter around the hall it was well over $500.
posted by banannafish at 3:06 PM on September 23, 2009

Another best bet: Put a request up on craigslist, maybe in the gigs or wanted section. "Need to borrow your couches for an evening, promise not to trash 'em, here is an offer of $X for their delivery and removal."
posted by aniola at 3:30 PM on September 23, 2009

How about inflatable couches, perhaps with slipcovers to make them more cozy? Cheap, easy to transport, no worries about beer spillage. Plus you could have inflatable chairs and ottomans -- a whole inflatable theme! (and without slipcovers but with Christmas lights it might look pretty cool).
posted by katemonster at 3:36 PM on September 23, 2009

M&M is a party rental and special-events company that is always our go-to resource for cases like these. I'd give them a call and see what they tell you. Be prepared to pay more than you expect, but they're an excellent company and I've always had excellent results with them.
posted by AngerBoy at 4:43 PM on September 23, 2009

Failing party rental, call up the local film school and ask who the big dog in town is for prop rental. They will have almost anything you can imagine available almost instantly, delivered. And it'll cost you...
posted by seanmpuckett at 5:52 PM on September 23, 2009

Call a Real Estate Staging Professional. They fill vacant homes with furniture to increase their appeal to buyers. Here is one in your area. Google "Real estate staging, Dallas Fort Worth" for others.
posted by Muirwylde at 7:10 PM on September 23, 2009

+1 for contacting a wedding planner. I'm planning my wedding now and am considering renting a couple sofas. My AV company referred me to a party rentals company that has furniture, bars, etc.
posted by kdern at 8:17 PM on September 23, 2009

Are there Rent a Centers in Texas? My understanding is they do rent furniture. I have seen couches in the store. And(!) I am sure they deliver. A friend once rented an AC for a weekend from RAC, and they delivered it.
posted by alice ayres at 11:36 AM on September 24, 2009

Seconding alice ayres - check out "rent to own" places. I had surgery a few years ago and rented a recliner for 3 weeks - they delivered and picked up.
posted by sarajane at 12:06 PM on September 24, 2009