Birthday party durables?

Christy is hosting a birthday party but doesn't have enough durable goods to go around:

OK. We have my son's 5th birthday party coming up and we are in need of party durables (plates, utensils, napkins) for 30 people. I am willing to purchase them if I have to and then share them in turn with other friends for their parties. Any thoughts on a good place to purchase them? Is there anyone renting out party durables, especially for kid's parties? Good business idea, I think. Maybe not financially profitable but environmentally profitable. Have either of you looked into this? I'd be curious to know.

So here are my first thoughts...  You can rent dishes, utensils and linens from Barbur Rentals. Their stuff is probably more geared to adult parties and weddings (white china plates, wine glasses and actual linens), but it's worth looking into if they have anything for the younger party set.

If you buy, I'd suggest IKEA. They have those colorful, affordable, non-breakable kid plates and cups that come in sets of 5 or 6. Their utensils are also very reasonable, and all stainless steel.

If you don't want to buy that many place-settings, you could either borrow from friends and neighbors (I'm one who's willing to loan you my stash of kid plates). Or you can position the party like a picnic and suggest your guests bring their own place-settings. We did this when we went to the Muddy Boots festival last summer, and it was kind of fun!

EnviroMom readers: What do you suggest?