Frequently Asked Questions

Please browse FAQ’s about our vintage tableware hire and feel free to contact us if you have any further queries.

Our base is in Rolleston, 20 minutes from the CBD of Christchurch. Collections from here are welcome. We also offer a personal delivery service Canterbury wide. We do not courier our china but are happy for you to collect and take to other locations or ask us for delivery further afield.

Our website provides a sample of our large range but you are welcome to view in person at any time by appointment. For large events, advance viewings are desirable. Contact us to arrange an appointment.

We have a huge range of beautiful tableware suitable for every occasion – from small tea parties to large weddings. Just contact us to see how we can help.

We allow for collection a day or two before your event, with return the first business day after. For hires outside of Christchurch, we are happy to allow extra time for yourself or your guests to collect and return items on your behalf.

Most definitely! We welcome and encourage you to make your own selection. It’s all part of the fun. We will pack as you choose.

Simply add items from our Hire Collection using our ‘Add To Booking’ feature and send us an enquiry. Alternatively, submit an Event Enquiry or contact us with your arrangements. Please include dates required. We will reply with confirmation of availability and pricing.

Once your order is confirmed we will email an invoice with our bank account details and payment will be required prior to collection or delivery. Otherwise, cash payment is required at time of collection and a receipt will be given.

We have a large number of items available, so it is never too late to place an order by phone or email.

However, for large events it is best to book your date as soon as possible to secure first choice of items. We don’t ask for a deposit to make an initial booking. All we need is the date and an approximate list of items required. We will ask you to confirm your booking a month before your event unless someone requests the same items for the same date, in which case we will ask you to confirm sooner and may require a deposit at that stage.

Always, the first question we are asked! We are pleased to say we have surprisingly few breakages but accidents do occasionally happen so please ask for our replacement charges for items you wish to hire.

If we are recollecting your hire on the day of your event, no washing is required. We ask you to remove all waste and place everything in one area ready for us to repack.

For items not being returned the same day, a quick hand wash is all that is required.

You are welcome to collect a day or two prior to your event and return the first business day after.

Delivery, set up and collection is also available. A delivery fee will apply.

We’re always adding something new (and old!) to the collection. Check in on our Facebook and Instagram pages for our latest additions, and events featuring our beautiful tableware.

Yes, we hire to professionals seeking tableware for various jobs, such as florists, caterers, photographers and stylists as well as individuals. If you’re a professional looking for temporary use of tableware, look no further and contact us today.

We kindly ask you to credit The China Cabinet if you publish any photos, wherein our items are included.

Event Enquiry

Not quite sure what you need? Let us help. Send us details of your special occasion and we’ll come back to you with our suggestions.

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Kind words

“The China Cabinet is a china lovers paradise. Maureen has taken care in ensuring she has the most beautiful collection of fine china pieces for people to enjoy and use, her collection range goes far wider than any other persons collection I have seen. Maureen’s pieces are perfectly intact and are always delivered in person, she offers to help set up her china for events to ensure it is always looking ‘just right’. I have used her pieces for a variety of different events/occasions, from high teas, lunches and afternoon teas and I would never look anywhere else again when it comes to hiring china.”

“The China Cabinet has the most beautiful vintage tea sets! Maureen never fails to provide an extremely smooth and reliable service! She always goes above and beyond! We have loved hiring from her for our Women in Engineering high tea events over the years and will continue to do so!”

“Thanks for having the most amazing hire products that have been so beautifully cared for! Everyone adored using the teacups and Tracey Allsopp Photography couldn’t get enough of those champagne glasses! You were so wonderful to deal with 🥰”

“I love your china so much. I have been following you for ages and I was always going to be using your china at my wedding.  I actually had you on Pinterest before I even had a fiancée 😂”

“I have hired silver trays, tea pots, cake stands and champagne glasses for high tea fundraisers and birthday parties. Everything was well organised and reasonably priced. Highly recommended!”

“Fantastic selection of china! Such fun selecting each piece for my daughter’s first birthday, will definitely hire from here again.”

“Maureen has an impressive China collection and was a absolute pleasure to deal with from initial enquiries through to collection & recipe advice. Thank you!”

“This event was a great success last year and your gorgeous tea sets really elevate the high tea experience.”

“I have hired from The China Cabinet several times and have been impressed with both the quality of china and other items for hire, and the impeccable customer service provided by Maureen. The whole process of selecting china to pickup/delivery is stress free every time and the china is top quality – no chips or cracks or wear. My guest have always been “wowed” by the beautiful china. I highly recommend Maureen and The China Cabinet.”