Amy sent in an (urgent) good question: "As Passover approaches, I am in dire need of an affordable folding table for the many guests we'll have for dinner. I'd love if it could be attractive also, but I would settle for anything as we're only 2 1/2 weeks away! Can we get a top ten list or just a few suggestions on where to find affordable (and attractive) large folding tables?"
We looked at starting a top ten of folding tables in response to Amy's question, but unfortunately the selection we could come up with quickly was pretty slim. Instead we're going for a few links, a suggestion and then we are opening it up to the readers in hopes of finding a good solution before Passover...
The folding table pictured above the jump is our top contender...it was the least utilitarian looking, the most like a real table, is priced just as well ($49.99) as a more plastic-y option ($47.99) and is available online and in stores from Target right now. The drawback is that it isn't LARGE, so would most likely require the purchase of two. This might be a good thing, though, depending on your room (and the possiblility of future, smaller parties) as it might be easier to work with two smaller tables.
If you do want the banquet size, Target also carries one priced at only $45.99. Or perhaps a round one would work? Here is a 48" round table for $79.99.
Just for fun, here is the high end option...a folding table by Zanotta, which looks great but costs over $1700.!
One final thought...why not just rent a banquet sized folding table? Since all the options are pretty unattractive and tablecloths will be used either way, perhaps the easiest option is to just go with one from a party rental place. It would require pick up and drop off (delivery usually requires a large minimum rental) but at least you wouldn't need to store it afterwards...
Ok, who else has ideas and suggestions for Amy?
Different Amy, here:
I've done exactly what the last suggestion was-- I had a seder last year for 15-20 people, and I just rented table, chairs, and (gulp) linen. Easy clean up, easy to personalize and accessorize!
I would check craigslist for one large table. You could probably get pick one up for less than $80. Throw a table cloth on it to cover any damage or ugly style issues.
Then, after the seder, put it back on craigslist.
Check Cost Plus World Market. We had the same extensive search for my brother for Christmas, for his studio with very little room for a table and one he didn't want to have out all the time (especially if it was only him. We had to buy the table online, but then had to get the chairs at the store. Its a little pricier, but I think the nicest looking one without any vinyl or plastic involved. Drastically reduced in price too since we bought it!
I haven't seen this in person so not sure how many people it will accomodate, but it will take at least 2.
http://www.worldmarket.com/Handcrafted-Furniture/dining-room-furniture/Dining-Room-Tables/Espresso-Folding-Table/lev/4/productId/3070/Ne/1100001/sectionId/2868/N/1100005/categoryId/1100005/pCategoryId/1100004/gpCategoryId/1100002/Ns/NEW_ARRIVAL_FLAG%7C1%7C%7CCATEGORY_SEQ_2884%7C0/index.pro