How to Place Tables for a Dinner Party

Hosting dinner parties is a fun way to entertain, but they can also be stressful. This is especially true if you need to move your furniture around for the party because you live in a small space or don't already have a large dining space set up. Although rearranging your space can seem daunting, with a little creativity, it is easy to make the perfect arrangement for your party and space. Then all that's left is to host the party! Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Invite only as many guests as you feel you can adequately fit and attend to. For one person without help, The Dinner Party Planning Site suggests about six to eight people, but you know your situation best. Be sure to give everyone lots of personal space at the table so they aren't bumping elbows with their neighbor.

2

Take into consideration the kind of party you are having now that you know how many people are coming. Does it have multiple generations, or a specific theme? A kid -- or even teenage -- table is often appreciated by all involved. If you are throwing a French bistro-themed party, several small tables might be appropriate, according to the website iVillage, while the classic long table has a more fancy connotation. Putting several tables together is also an option, although then you risk guests having their backs to each other or facing odd angles. Experiment with your options, keeping your guests' comfort in mind.

3

Consider a buffet if you would like to have more guests than your table or tables would normally seat, according to The Dinner Party Planning Site. Putting the serving dishes in one place leaves more room to fit guests, and can create a more spacious dining environment. Make sure if you do this that you have a plan for how guests will get the food, so that everyone doesn't make a run for the buffet all at once!

4

Decorate the table or tables with matching tablecloths and flower arrangements to give the room a pulled-together look. This is especially helpful if you chose to put several tables together or have a bistro-style arrangement -- the unified look will draw the room together and give it a polished feel.

5

Make place cards that say where all the guests are supposed to sit. It is especially helpful if you have an unusual table arrangement to give guests some guidance about where to sit to let them meet new people. This final step is important because it will keep the conversation interesting and help make the party a success, according to The Dinner Party Planning Site.