How to Set Up Cocktail Tables at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide for Any Backyard

Backyard parties are the most common events we supply — and after 460+ setups since 2019, we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to setting up cocktail tables at home so your backyard looks like a proper venue.

Step 1: Prepare Your Surface

Before anything else, check the ground where you’ll place the furniture.

• Pavers and concrete are ideal — flat, stable, and clean
• Decking works perfectly fine
• Grass is great too, but walk the area first. Fill any dips or holes, and mow a day or two before so it’s even
• Avoid soft or muddy ground — if it’s been raining, lay down some plywood or rubber matting under the table bases

A level surface keeps the tables steady and stops drinks from sliding. It matters more than you’d think.

Step 2: Plan Your Layout

Don’t just line tables up in a row — that’s the most common mistake we see. Instead, think about flow.

• Cluster 2-3 tables near your food and drinks station. This is where people naturally gather, so give them somewhere to put their plates and glasses.
• Spread the remaining tables across your space so guests aren’t all bunched in one area.
• Place a table near the entrance so people have somewhere to land when they arrive.
• Keep the cake plinth central or near the main gathering area — it’s a feature piece, so give it visibility.

Spacing

Allow 1.5 to 2 metres between each cocktail table. This gives people enough room to stand around each table comfortably and move between them without bumping into anyone.

Step 3: Think About Power and Lighting

If you’re using fairy lights, a speaker, or any other powered equipment, place at least one cocktail table near a power point. This avoids running extension leads across walkways where people might trip.

For evening events, a couple of festoon lights strung overhead completely transform a backyard. Position your tables underneath them and you’ve got instant atmosphere.

Step 4: How Many Tables Do You Need?

A good rule of thumb:

• 1 cocktail table for every 8-10 guests if it’s a mingling, cocktail-style event
• Add bar stools if you want to give some guests a place to sit — 2 stools per table is standard
• 1 cake plinth for any event with a cake, dessert display, or gift table

So for a 40-person backyard party, you’d typically want:

• 5 x cocktail tables with covers — $100
• 10 x bar stools — $50
• 1 x cake plinth — $50

Total: $200 (plus delivery or free pickup from Kingsgrove)

Step 5: Make Sure Delivery Access Is Clear

This is the one thing that catches people out. Our delivery drivers need a clear path from the vehicle to your setup area. Before your delivery:

• Open the side gate and make sure it’s wide enough for the furniture to pass through
• Clear the driveway of parked cars
• Move any bins, bikes, or garden equipment out of the pathway
• Let us know about stairs or steps when you book so we can plan accordingly

The smoother the access, the faster the setup — and you’ll be back to party prep in no time.

Quick Reference: Pricing

• Cocktail table with cover (black or white) — $20
• Bar stool or cocktail chair (black or white) — $5
• Cake plinth — $50
• Delivery starts at $100 each way (0-10km from Kingsgrove)
• Pickup from Kingsgrove is free

Ready to Set Up Your Backyard Event?

Now you know the layout, the spacing, and the numbers. Head to cocktailtablesandchairs.com.au to get a quote and book your cocktail furniture — we’ll handle the rest.