Banquet Tables: Planning For A Party

Banquet tables are usually larger than a standard home dining room table. If you are hosting a larger event than usual, such as a wedding reception, family holiday dinner or club meeting, you may choose to buy a couple of folding tables for the guests to use during the meal. You can also use a caterer who will supply the tables.

Deciding on the Head Count

Don\’t make the mistake of thinking that you can squeeze in an extra person or two on each table in order to save money on the rentals. It\’s much more pleasant for the guests to be able to get to their place setting easily and to be able to exit the seat gracefully if needed during the meal. Servers must be able to move between tables.

Table Cloth

Tablecloths are an important part of decorating for the event. If you do a lot of entertaining, you may already have a supply of table coverings in various sizes and colors. Make sure that the size of the cloth is enough to completely cover the table and leave a skirt of at least six inches on each size. If you use a white tablecloth, you can add color by the use of centerpieces, table runners or even the tableware that you select.

Tableware and Seating

Leave enough space between place settings at the tables so that guests can lift a drinking glass without jostling the next person over. If you use place cards at each setting, they should be easy to see while standing, as guests move to their seats. Don\’t forget to plan for children\’s seating and place settings. Left-handed individuals and those who are obese may require more room or a different seating arrangement.

Table Top Decorations

Centerpieces and table runners are a great way to add interest and color to a basic white tablecloth. A length of brightly colored fabric in the theme color is sometimes all the table decoration that is required. If you use a centerpiece, be sure that it is below eye level and does not overpower the place settings on either side.

Using a caterer means that storing the tables until the next big event that you host will not be a problem. You can just fold up the banquet tables and have them returned to the owner. However, buying your own tables means that you won\’t need to worry about renting the tables or returning them.

If you want to create a wonderful party environment then banquet tables aka folding tables are a great way to go.