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The Art of Seating: 5 Do's to Make Your Party Pop

Posted Mon, Apr 14, 2008, 1:31 pm PDT
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Sure, throwing a party can be stressful, but figuring out where to seat your guests takes the cake -- just ask any bride-to-be. Whatever the situation, the key is creating lively conversation. Whether you're planning a dinner, office lunch, or bridal shower, here's how to spark memorable conversations that get the good times rolling.  

  • Inter-Mingle  If it's a couples dinner party, think about spreading everyone out. It forces guests to break away from the comfort of a significant other and reach out to other party-goers.
  • What a Coincidence!  Think about the common interests of your guests and seat accordingly. A shared profession, sport, hobby, or home state can help break the ice.
  • Creative Pairings  Play matchmaker by seating two singles next to eachother. Or place your super shy friend next to a charming outgoing one who is guaranteed to keep the conversation and energy flowing.  
  • Stir the Pot  When it's a large gathering you want to make sure your guests are happy and having fun, so get out of your seat and make the rounds.  
  • Switcheroo  Now, if you're a guest at the party and find that your place card has you seated next to someone you'd rather avoid, the best thing to do is politely ask the host about a little musical chair maneuver. You may feel the urge to switch the cards yourself (unbeknownst to anyone) but that's a no-no, since someone put a lot of thought into the seating arrangement. But there's no harm in asking -- a good host will want to make sure their guests are comfy cozy.

 

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7 Comments

  • 1. Posted by Geli on Thu, Apr 17, 2008, 4:36 pm PDT

    If your party is a wedding reception, try seating like relations of the bride and groom together. Example: maternal aunts/uncles from bride's and groom's families together, close childhood friends of both bride and groom together. This makes for good conversation among guests and allows people from both sides get to know the bride or groom better through their other friends and family members.

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  • 2. Posted by Carol M on Thu, Apr 17, 2008, 5:28 pm PDT

    Seat families together for sure and seat all the people you know don't get along with each other at the same table! Makes for an exciting drama filled reception!

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  • 3. Posted by scotty r on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, 8:33 pm PDT

    Elope! Then HER Uncle Fred won't embarrass himself by drooling when he falls asleep in the corner and HIS Cousin Jen won't be the drama queen when she starts talking about "kissing cousins" and looking meaningful at the Groom. That kind of liveliness I can live without. My lovely Bride says to say she agrees, also.

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  • 4. Posted by Franco on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, 9:06 pm PDT

    I hope no one is actually paying for these silly articles...

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  • 5. Posted by Anne Marie H on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, 9:55 pm PDT

    lol this was obvious, though they were good ideas. i know when i was plotting against three families and a bunch of random people for my wedding i went all out evil (unless they're little no one sat with anyone they knew XD)

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  • 6. Posted by daFloYDiaN . on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, 10:35 pm PDT

    -* *%&#?#$%^*

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  • 7. Posted by mary k on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, 1:32 am PDT

    OMG!! with every article these people write they continue to get more stupid !!! My advice FIRE these idiots!!!! GET A GRIP !!!! stupid female columnists !!

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