If you’ve ever hosted a dinner party at home, you’ll know the secret: it’s rarely the grand dining table that saves the night - it’s the folding table (I even have one in the kitchen for extra bench space leading up to the big event)!

Almost every dinner I host starts the same way: a couple of Bunnings folding tables covered in linen, joined together, and a bar setup perched on a smaller one off to the side. And once the candles are lit and the food starts arriving, no one ever notices what’s underneath.

The truth is, folding tables are the unsung heroes of entertaining - flexible, affordable, and ready to transform with a bit of imagination.

The Power of a Tablecloth

folding table decorated for a dinner party

A good tablecloth does everything. It hides the plastic, softens the space, and instantly elevates the look.

I always opt for extra-long linen - the kind that drapes to the floor. It makes even the most basic table feel purposeful and elegant. You can find beautiful 4m linen options from places like Bed Threads, or layer a plain cloth with a patterned runner for contrast.

Hostess tip: Wash the tablecloth on a short cycle the day before and lay it out of the table damp, it will dry wrinkle free, and if you’re outdoors, use table clips or small weights to stop it from lifting in the breeze.

Creating Space You Didn’t Know You Had

Look around your home and think beyond the obvious. Folding tables can create spaces where you didn’t think entertaining was possible.

The balcony bar: a small folding table can become a drinks station or dessert bar. Add a tablecloth, a tray of glasses, and a bowl of citrus and it’s instantly party-ready.
The hallway grazing table: if you’re short on space, set up a narrow table with snacks or cocktails for guests to grab as they arrive.
The outdoor extension: push two or three folding tables together for larger dinners - it’s how I host most of mine! A long cloth hides the seams, and a single tablescape ties it all together.

Folding tables let you shape your space to fit the occasion, not the other way around.

Styling Around the Practicalities

Folding table set up to look like an outdoor table on a balcony

Folding tables aren’t perfect - they can wobble, they’re not always beautiful, and sometimes the height varies slightly. But that’s all fixable.

Wobbly legs? Use folded paper napkins under the feet or place a rug beneath.
Uneven joins? Layer a runner, placemats, or chargers to disguise any dips.
Different heights? Use taller chairs on one side and a long tablecloth to visually even things out.

No one’s looking at the table once it’s covered in food, flowers, and good conversation.

Folding Tables for the Bar

One of my favourite uses for smaller folding tables is turning them into a makeshift bar.
Add a tablecloth, a tray for bottles, a vase of herbs or citrus, and a stack of glasses - suddenly it’s an experience.

If space allows, I like having a second small table nearby for prep - ice, mixers, and a cutting board for garnishes. It creates a natural flow and keeps guests mingling away from the kitchen.

Hostess tip: if you have two smaller tables, set one higher on bricks or a crate under the cloth - it gives a tiered look, like a real bar setup.

The Secret to Effortless Entertaining

Do not get bogged down in the idea that everything has to match or be perfect. The folding table is a reminder that great hosting isn’t about fancy furniture - it’s about creativity, generosity, and making people feel welcome.

You can build a table anywhere: under the trees, on the balcony, in the living room, even in the garage if it rains (I’m dying to do a big one on the driveway!). Throw on a linen cloth, light a candle, and pour a drink - that’s where the magic starts.

Final Hosting Tip

If you’re short on storage, invest in two good-quality folding tables and a few extra tablecloths in different colours. You’ll use them far more often than you think - for dinners, holidays, buffets, even wrapping presents.

In the end: it’s not about the table itself - it’s what happens around it.