Are Seating Charts a Dinner Party Do or Don't?

May 11, 2011

This weekend I'm hosting a big dinner party that 22 people are expected to attend. I keep asking myself the following question: should I do a seating chart? Many of the guests are couples and traditionally couples should not sit together; a seating chart will ensure that everyone is separated. Still, I want to the conversation to be lively and hope that everyone will have an awesome time. Is this only possible if I let guests select where they sit? What do you think? How do you feel about assigned seating at a dinner party?

13 Comments

Skorpio 2 years 1 week

People always rearrange seating as they see fit anyhow, so I like a seating card for a larger group, because it can help avoid single chairs between couples etc. Keeps things moving, and can sometimes get people talking who wouldn't normally be drawn to one another.

2 years 1 week

I love the idea of place cards but with out names for an informal setting.If you have them say things like brunette or male or person wearing sweater.That way you can still use all of your place card craft ideas with out making people feel confined.

TiVo 2 years 1 week

Hmmm... I like placecards, but I also like sitting by my hubby. Catch 22 I suppose

KWM 2 years 1 week

I like doing place cards because it avoids everyone awkwardly standing around the table deciding where to sit. Helps move the party along, I think.

Katie Sweeney 2 years 1 week

I always separate couples, but put them near each other. I think I'm going to do one for the party, thanks for the help readers!

EvieJ 2 years 1 week

It depends on how formal things are. @My Fare Foodie - for it to be truly formal, you shouldn't be by your husband. That's one of the reasons people assign seats, is so guests can meet and enjoy the conversation of other people. Although I do 100% agree on switching seats every 15 minutes. What's the point of that? Did you have to pick up your plate, utensils and glass and carry them all to the next seat?

ticamorena 2 years 1 week

I'm with those who like being told where to sit - it's much more democratic if everybody has seats that are assigned to them by the host!

Becky Kirsch 2 years 1 week

My family has this dilemma at pretty much every holiday. I think it's a lot more fun to have a seating chart and gets you talking to people who might not be your first choice to sit with! That said, there's usually one person who's trying to secretly switch the name cards. :)

2 years 1 week

Sometimes I want to be told where to sit. Our friends and family do assigned seating for just about every large mealtime gathering. Christmas Eve dinner would be utter chaos without place cards.

RoaringSilence 2 years 1 week

I would absolutely do that. I love making place cards! people can mingle after dinner, anyway.

amber512 2 years 1 week

I really think it depends on the type of event and the people involved.

Susannah Chen 2 years 1 week

For me, it depends on how formal or casual the situation is.

My Fare Foodie 2 years 1 week

I'm a big fan of a seating chart, just as long as I can still be seated next to my hubby. I've been to a dinner party where the host made everyone switch seats every 15 minutes, and that was just a pain and kind of awkward.

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