Guide to Table Arrangements and Seating

Where do you begin, with an empty room and stacks of tables and chairs to arrange for a special event? It can be an overwhelming task. But it doesn't have to be. With these tips, you will be set up in no time, and your room will look great.

Table selection and seating capacity

Cocktail tables (pedestal, belly bar) Options:

24" round

30" round

36" round

All seat 2 - 6 people

Banquet Tables Options:

6’ x 30"

Seats 6 to 8

8’ x 30"

Seats 8 to 10

Serpentine Tables Options:

¼ round

½ round

These are aesthetically pleasing serving tables and can be configured in a variety of arrangements.

Round Tables Options:

54"

Seats 6 to 8

60"

Seats 8 to 10

66"

Seats 8 to 10

72"

Seats 10-12

Party seating and space information

Cocktail parties

Standing

5 - 6 sq. ft. per person

Partial Seating

10 - 15 sq. ft. per person

Receptions

Partial Seating

8 sq. ft. per person

Dinners

Oblong Tables

10 - 15 sq. ft. per person

Round Tables of 10

10 - 15 sq. ft per person

Cathedral Seating

Rows

7 sq. ft. per person

Dance Area

2 - 4 sq. ft. per person

Seating arrangements

The following formulas and dimensions allow for chair aisles and passage aisles. Increase allowances to accommodate wide traffic aisle(s), columns, service doors and unique room shapes.

Banquet style

For 24" service space behind 18" chair depth:

Round guidelines

Allow 54" between tables for chair space and food service

Divide the room area in square feet by 10 for maximum seating

Add an additional 2 sq. ft. per person for increased comfort

Oblong guidelines

Allow 60" between tables for back-to-back seating

Divide the room area in square feet by 8 for maximum seating

Add an additional 2 square feet per person for increased comfort

Classroom style guidelines

Allow 36" between tables for seating on one side of table only

Increase allowance for two-sided seating or food service

Divide the student seating area in square feet by 8

Theater Style guidelines

Allow 36" between rows of chairs

Increase allowance for maximum comfort

Divide audience seating area in square feet by 8

A choice of chairs

Natural wood

White Wood

Resin Folding Chairs

Bamboo Folding Chairs

Chiavari Chairs

Versailles Chairs

The final touch: Table Linens

Card or cocktail tables - 54" x 54" Square Linen

6’ Banquet Table - 54" x 108" Rectangle Linen

6’ Banquet Table - 60" x 120 Drape on Two Sides; 90" x 132" Drape on Four Sides

8’ Banquet Table - 60" x 120 or 72" x 144" Drape on Two Sides; 90" x 132" Drape on Four Sides

48" Round Table - 90" Linen

54" Round Table - 90" Linen

60" Round Table - 90" Drape 1/2 way to floor, 120" Drape to floor

66" Round Table - 120" Drape 1/2 way to floor, 130" Drape to floor

72" Round Table - 120" Drape 1/2 way to floor, 130" Drape to floor

30", 36", 48", 60" Round Table - 90" Round Linen

Napkins - 20" x 20"

Table skirts for buffets and head tables - 9’ and 14’