Table Name Cards

If you are feeling creative you can give tables names instead of numbers. This is very common for weddings. Numbered tables are less work and easier to find if they are laid out logically. Named tables add a bit more atmosphere and are useful if you are worried about guests being offended about not being seated on “table 1”.

Possible table naming themes include:
flowers (e.g. roses)
gemstones
countries/towns
colours
actors/films/TV programs
bands/songs
cocktails/whiskies/wines
sweets (=candies)
animals/birds/butterflies
sports teams
dances
Disney characters
a word or phrase in different languages (such as ‘I love you’)
famous romantic couples
something appropriate to the number of tables, e.g. the names of the 7 seas or 7 dwarves for 7 tables
cars/motorbikes
something related to your hobbies/interests

You can also liven up numbers, for example include a picture of the hosts at age 1 on table 1, at age 2 on table 2 etc.

Seating Arrangements

You might want to put people next to people they know, or you might want to split them up a bit so they meet new people. But try to put each person next to at least one person they already know. People are more likely to get on well if they are similar ages or have similar interests. It might not be a good idea to put your ’alternative lifestyle’ friend with the piercings and tattoos next to your 80-year-old grandmother. A little common sense goes a long way.
Generally you should try to put families together and work colleagues together. But if you know people don't get on, try seating them separately. It is worth breaking with tradition to have a stress free event.

Avoid mixing age groups too much. Young children should be seated with their parents. Older children can be seated with their parents, or on a table together.
Try to create balanced tables, with even numbers of males and females. It is traditional to alternate male-female-male-female guests in some cultures. Some business dinners are seated male-male-female-female for variety.

If it is a group of people that know each other well you could try splitting up married couples for extra variety.

Try to avoid putting guests on the same table as ex-partners, unless you are sure this is OK. Remember that every room has 4 corners!

Resist the temptation to have a ‘leftovers’ table of all the people who didn’t fit on other tables. It is probably better to distribute such guests evenly.