One of the pressing problems when preparing for a celebration is the arrangement of tables and seating of guests. How to make sure that everyone is comfortable and no one is offended? Wedding
talks about the most popular schemes and options for events of various formats.
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1.
Where to start when planning seating arrangements for guests?
First of all , you need to start from the room
in which the festive dinner will take place. If you have already decided on a site, pay attention to the following points:
- shape of the hall (round, square, rectangular, irregular);
- the presence of columns, niches, a stage in the hall;
- the shape of the tables if the site is rented along with furniture.
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2.
The second important point is
how many guests
you are going to invite. Some seating plans are more suitable for an intimate wedding, while others are designed for a larger number of participants. Of course, if the celebration takes place in a very narrow family circle, there will be no problem with seating - a large round or rectangular table will suffice. In all other cases, the location of the tables should be thought out in advance.
3.
And finally, another factor that determines seating is
the evening's program
. Are performances expected by artists, how large a space will be needed to perform the numbers, is there a dance floor, or maybe active games awaiting guests?
The main rule that should be followed when drawing up a table layout is that every guest should be able to sit at the table and leave it without disturbing anyone. In addition, waiters must move freely around the hall.
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Why do you need a seating plan?
Very often, the imaginary picture of the newlyweds’ festive feast is much brighter and more interesting than reality. Most often, the problem is not a meager table, a lack of good alcohol, or a festive decoration. Banal silence and boredom at the table can turn a chicly decorated banquet hall into a dull sight. To avoid such a situation, it is worth thinking through in advance and drawing up a seating plan for guests at the wedding.
Peculiarities of seating at an informal reception
- When arranging seating for an informal reception, the main guest is determined by the owner of the house. The most commonly used method is relative priority, but seating arrangements can also be made in accordance with the status of the invited people.
- When seating, the age of the guests must also be taken into account, grouping older guests separately from younger ones.
- The guest of honor is brought to the table by the owner of the house, the guest of honor is brought to the table by the hostess.
- At the table at an informal reception, the host and hostess sit opposite each other.
- Also, men and women who came together sit opposite each other.
- If guests come with children, then the children are seated at a separate table.
- When seating guests, the presence of mutual sympathy between the guests is taken into account.
On a note!
When creating a seating arrangement, it is important not to overload the table, seating instead of 8 – 10, or even 12 people at the same time. In order for those sitting to be comfortable and not to be crowded elbow to elbow, there should be about 60 cm per seat.
How to seat guests at a wedding
A wedding is a celebration where two families essentially become one. We are not talking about the newlyweds, but about their relatives and close friends. To prevent guests from huddling together with their usual groups and sitting in silence, it is worth seating representatives of both parties interspersed. This way the friends of the bride and groom can get to know each other. Divide your family into small groups, perhaps married couples or adult siblings, and bring similar couples from both sides together at the same table.
When making your plan, keep in mind the age and personal preferences of your guests. It’s a very bad idea to seat an avid hunter and a lover of our little brothers with an active life position at the same table. But placing the artist and the musician close to each other is a good move. Also, you should not bring up the problems of fathers and children at the holiday; try to take into account the age of the guests when determining seats. Proper seating of guests guarantees a lively conversation at the table.
Official part of the holiday
At the holiday, each of the parts requires close consideration and is arranged depending on the goals, objectives, wishes and budget. The official part, as well as the final part, is more predictable in contrast to the entertainment part, and therefore it can be timed accurately to the minute. And be sure that this is exactly what will happen.
If we are talking about an anniversary or birthday, then there are nuances that are better to be aware of.
Meeting with guests
Unlike other holidays, on an anniversary or birthday, the hero of the occasion arrives in advance to the already decorated hall; all technical services should already be ready by this time. Unobtrusive background music plays.
A light buffet is served for all guests. In such an environment it is quite comfortable to greet arriving guests. As a rule, they are greeted by the hero of the day or the birthday boy, and the guests immediately give gifts. For gifts, it is better to immediately determine a special table or place. After which the guests can move on to the buffet while waiting for the others.
In this part of the holiday, it may not be superfluous to have artists, such as a magician (micromagic), a caricature artist, animators, girls (hostesses) handing out props if the theme of the holiday is planned.
As soon as everyone is assembled, you can take your seats at the tables and move on to the next stage.
Seating guests at tables, seating chart
There are two popular ways to seat guests at the holiday table.
This is free seating (whoever wants with whoever) and according to banquet cards (banquettes).
At an anniversary or birthday, of course, the second option is preferable because the seating chart for guests, as well as the banquet cards themselves, are made in the general style of the holiday and are a chic addition to the overall design of the hall. Given that guests often spend a long time choosing who will sit with whom, then resolving the issue of seating is a big deal. Subsequently, as events progress, they may somehow change seats, but in the first couple of days you will simplify their task, and also reduce the time of seating itself.
First toasts
As a rule, the host begins to communicate with the guests at the buffet table. And by the time the guests are already seated at the tables, the exclusive right to solemnly open this event is given to the hero of the occasion. After welcoming words and wishes for a pleasant pastime, the closest ones, family, relatives and further on the list can then say toasts.
You can end the first toasts with a performance by artists: magicians, original artists, show ballet, etc.
As a rule, this part does not last long enough for thirty minutes.
Examples and templates for designing a wedding seating plan
It is not enough to simply draw up a seating plan on a piece of paper. Guests must be familiarized with the arrangement of tables and their place. Otherwise, the crowd of invitees will simply rush around the hall in search of cards with their name.
To solve the problem, it is worth creating a wide-format seating plan for guests at the entrance to the banquet hall. The design of the stand should be consistent with the general style of the wedding.
The wedding seating template is very simple. Sheets of paper on the stand are arranged according to the arrangement of tables in the celebration hall. In the title of each sheet, you must indicate the table number, then list the names and surnames of the guests located behind it. You can order such a plan at any framing salon.
DIY wedding seating templates
It's no secret that sometimes even the bride and groom are unable to name all the guests at a wedding. Relatives on both sides sometimes have no idea who they are talking to, which can result in unpleasant situations and incidents.
At celebrations abroad, a very popular game is called Find your face, find your place. Literally, this phrase can be translated as “Found my face, found my place.” The essence of the idea is to hang small photographs along with the names in the seating plan. This will allow guests to know in advance who they will be sitting at the same table with and avoid awkward moments.
You can entrust the implementation of such a stand to professionals, but in order to avoid mistakes, it is better to do it yourself. In fact, it is no more difficult than drawing a poster for a school wall newspaper - it does not require any special talents.
Why do we need cards with guest names?
A beautiful seating plan for guests is great, but again, it’s not enough. Duplicate the seating arrangement with name cards on the tables.
The cards will help the event host decide on the location of the main characters in the holiday’s entertainment program, and waiters will be able to quickly find guests and fulfill their requests. Again, nameplates will help guests get to know each other and remember each other’s names. Wedding seating templates and cards should be made in the same style.
How to receive guestsSvetlana Lubenets, 2008
When Tanya picked them up from the floor, she wanted to cry. The trousers were wrinkled. Hopelessly. If you could still afford to wear a blouse without one button, then trousers that were so wrinkled - well, no way... The girl again rushed to the closet. There was nothing worthy of a new blouse. She had to wear the black jeans she wore to school every day. Then for about ten minutes Tanya was still looking for a comb to somehow tidy up her hair.
When the hostess of the holiday came out to the guests, they sat sadly on the sofa and chairs and looked intensely at the festively laid table. Tanya cheered up. After all, the table is the highlight of the holiday! Now everyone will pounce on the salads and forget that they had to wait a long time for the feast to begin. She, Tanya, will also tell them how each dish is prepared. The guests will be very pleased.
The guests were really very pleased with the salads. After about fifteen minutes, we tried everything put on the table, but for some reason they listened sluggishly about the secrets of cooking.
- Well, what are you talking about! Eat! - Tanya persuaded her friends. - Look how much Greek salad is left! And there’s a lot of Olivier salad! Eat! Do not be shy!
The guests were either shy or already full.
- Mother! - Tanya shouted with all her might.
Mom, still steaming from the stove, rushed into the room.
- What's happened? - she asked fearfully.
- They don't eat! - Tanya complained to her tearfully and pointed to the already slightly soggy salads.
- But now we’ll give them chicken! - Mom said and disappeared behind the door, and a few minutes later she returned with hot chicken, exuding the aroma of special herbs and spices. It was beautifully golden on a platter, surrounded by ruddy slices of fried potatoes.
The guests perked up noticeably. The chicken was eaten in ten minutes, and tense silence fell again at the table.
“Well... maybe another salad...” Tanya suggested. To be honest, not only a new portion of salad, but even a small pea from it would not have fit into her own stomach, but the birthday had to be continued somehow.
- No... Tan... won’t come in anymore...
- We ate terribly...
“You could really burst,” came rushing from all sides.
Mom came into the room and asked:
- Well, guys? Maybe bring some tea?
The guests began vying to refuse. Tanya understood them well. She herself was disgusted to even think about a cake with daisies and candles.
“Okay, we can have tea later,” Mom agreed and before disappearing behind the door, she added: “Play for now.”
“That’s what she said - play! What are we, little children?!” - Tanya thought displeasedly and was the first to leave the table. Following her, the guests rose from their chairs and again sat decorously on the sofa and in armchairs. There wasn't enough space for some people and they had to stay at the table.
“And yesterday they turned off the lights in our apartment for the whole evening,” Kostya, Tanya’s neighbor at her desk, finally said in complete silence.
“They always turn it off in our house,” agreed Valya, who lived in the same building with Kostya.
“When the lights are turned off, it’s nothing…” Olya noted. — Last year we turned off the heating in winter... yes...
“Yes-ah... heating is yes...” Vika picked up. — I don’t like it when it’s cold.
“And I don’t like it,” Tanya supported her friend.
The conversation ended there. Those who remained at the table were better off, because they put more salad on their plates and joylessly picked at them with their forks. Still, at least something to do!
- Tanya, can you turn on the computer? - asked Kostya.
- Please! - Tanya agreed happily. She did not feel sorry for anything for the guests.
Kostya sat down at the computer. Tanya chose the most interesting game for him, “Adventures in a Magic Forest.” Kostya plunged into the virtual world. The rest of the guests stood around him for a while, then Valya, looking at her watch, said:
- And in twenty minutes the next episode of “Girls from Our Backyard” will begin. I think I will go…
- Me too! - Olya picked it up! - I'll go to my grandmother. She invited me a long time ago!
- No! Girls... well, what about... What about the cake? - Tanya was upset. - He has candles...
“I don’t want to anymore, Tanya...” Vika responded guiltily. “You can eat it yourself later.” I'll go too. Thank you for the treat. It was delicious. I won’t want to eat until tomorrow!
When Tanya’s best friend got ready to go home, this became a signal for general departure. Everyone began to fuss, reaching into the hallway. Even mother could not persuade the guests to stay for tea.
When everyone had left, Tanya sat down on an ottoman in the hallway and cried bitterly. At that moment, Kostya flew into the corridor, saw the housewife crying and was very surprised.
- Tanya! What are you doing? - he asked. -Where is everyone?
“Our guests left, they didn’t even try the cake, but Tanechka tried so hard...” Mom said upset.
- Tanka! Don't cry! Everyone's already eaten! And the cake... Well... if you want, I’ll try it... - Kostya tried to console his neighbor.
Tanya didn’t want anything anymore. She burst into tears at the top of her voice and went to her room. She never touched the cake that she made with such love for the guests. The family members ate it. And in general, almost the entire next week we ate the remains of the festive meal (meal - meal).
Name card design options
The design of place cards depends on the overall theme of the wedding decoration. For example, if the main motif is autumn, then the cards can be made on gold or orange paper, and the table numbers can be indicated in the form of falling leaves. Cards carry important information, so don’t overload them with unnecessary design.
It is better to make signs in a minimalist style: a small, neat pattern and a name. This is a win-win option that always looks elegant. Sometimes you can deviate from the golden rule. If the event program is eventful and guests require personal instructions and explanations, then you can make plaques rather than name cards.
Such signs can contain all the information necessary for guests and can be used as props during competitions. This design option can only be implemented if it is really necessary. Signs take up a lot of space and will disturb guests more than they will clarify what is happening.
Spouses sit separately
Of course, it's better not to invite people who hate each other. But sometimes at large feasts this cannot be avoided. Therefore, try not only to seat the enemies in different corners of the table, but also make sure that they do not see each other, create a barrier between them in the form of a bouquet of flowers or a tall vase of fruit.
According to etiquette, husbands and wives should also sit separately. The only exceptions are older couples who find themselves in a youth company. Show them respect and seat them side by side in a place of honor. Also, you should not separate people between whom a romantic relationship has recently arisen: let the young man look after his companion - there is no need to make him jealous by giving her to the care of another man. But guests who come without a couple should be introduced and seated next to similar singles. And so that your neighbors have something to talk about, say a few words about the interests of each of them when you introduce them to each other.
Ready-made design templates
It is not necessary to order cards from a professional designer. You can use ready-made free templates for designing seating arrangements for guests at a wedding. All you need is a computer, printer, paper and scissors.
You need to print the required number of sheets. Then cut the cards along the lines, write the name by hand and fold them in the center. If you have a color printer at your disposal, the task is greatly simplified. It will be possible not to limit yourself to black and white design, but to boldly choose bright prints and patterns.
The given templates follow a common design style, so even different cards will look harmonious on the same table. Instead of multi-colored patterns, you can use colored paper. One way to emphasize the bride's or groom's side of the party is to print cards in two colors, such as yellow for the bride's guests and brown for the groom's guests.
DIY name cards
Even in the absence of a printer and computer, you can make exclusive signs with your own hands, and quickly. This will require a lot of cardboard, glue, glitter and a fountain pen. An example of execution can be seen in the photo below.
First you need to decide on the shape of the cards; in the example in the image, the bottom edge is cut out in the shape of waves. You can purchase a special hole punch at a craft store and make your task much easier. The shaped knives of the device will help you quickly and easily make stars, hearts, leaves and other shapes along the edges.
Next, you need to apply glue to the edge of the paper and dip it in glitter. Then the excess sprinkles are carefully removed from the card. Use a fountain pen to write the guest's name beautifully. Writing in ink is not easy; you need to either practice on a separate sheet of paper or use more familiar and convenient writing tools. The highlight will be a short personal wish for guests on each card.
Curly hole punchers can cut out not only waves, but also various animals and patterns. The device can be used to make another option for designing personalized cards for guests.
These cards are made from simple craft cardboard and round napkins made using a shaped hole punch. In the center of the napkins, you need to write a name by hand and glue it to the cardboard support.
It is not difficult to make cards with your own hands when their number does not exceed 50 pieces. For large celebrations with a long list of guests, it is better to seek help from professionals in their field. Organizing celebrations is rarely complete without the services of interior designers. The cost of cards and a seating stand will simply be lost in the overall costs. Personal participation is required at the stage of compiling the list of guests and their seating plan in the hall.
Modern housewives cannot be frightened even by unexpected guests, because stores are replete with a variety of products. However, home cooking cannot be compared with the concentrates and semi-finished products offered. And if you don’t want to disappoint your friends, then we offer you some simple but tasty quick recipes using traditional products.
Each of us probably has frozen vegetables, fruits, herbs, puff pastry, some fish or chicken in the depths of our freezer.
It is these products that are easily defrosted even without the help of a microwave, except that chicken will take longer, but it cooks faster than meat.
Most likely, there will also be some canned fish or vegetables, the usual supply of cereals, pasta, potatoes, flour, eggs, spices, etc.
Start cooking with coffee cake, which will become your signature dish at the end of a spontaneous evening and will delight your guests with its crazy aroma and amazing taste. You will need a glass of sugar, half a glass of kefir, a glass of flour, 2 eggs, a bag of vanilla sugar, a teaspoon of baking powder, 100 g of butter and 3 teaspoons of instant coffee.
Dissolve coffee in kefir. Beat eggs with sugar and vanilla separately, add coffee kefir and baking powder to the resulting mass. Then, stirring constantly, gradually add flour and butter to form a homogeneous dough. The pie is baked at 180º for about half an hour. You can use powdered sugar to decorate the pie. If you have ice cream in the refrigerator, you can add a scoop of it to each serving. The combination of dark, fluffy cake and cooling white ice cream will not only be delicious, but also look extravagant and festive.
After putting the dough in the oven, you can start making salads and cold appetizers. My family loves canned saury salad, which takes no more than 10 minutes to prepare. The fish is kneaded with a fork - 1 can (set aside a couple of whole pieces for decoration), eggs (3 pcs.), pitted olives (100g) and green onions (100g) are chopped. Everything is mixed, seasoned with juice from canned food or lemon, placed in a heap in a salad bowl and decorated with slices of olives, reserved saury, circles of eggs or half rings of lemon.
An easy to prepare salad of fresh cucumbers and crab sticks. Mix finely chopped crab sticks, cucumbers, onions, green salad and herbs, add green peas. Both sour cream and mayonnaise are suitable for dressing. Don't forget pepper and salt to taste.
Deviled eggs are ideal as a snack, and you can use any of your favorite food combinations as a filling. For example, cheese-garlic-yolk-mayonnaise, tomato-ham-yolk, cucumber-yolk-green onions-dill-mayonnaise, etc.
For a quick main course, I usually choose French fries. This dish is hearty and not everyday. Potatoes, cut into thin rounds, are laid out in layers on a baking sheet, each layer is salted and peppered, you can sprinkle with finely grated garlic. Then everything is filled with a mixture of 2 eggs and 2 glasses of milk (per 1 kg of potatoes). The resulting mass is generously sprinkled with grated cheese (300g) and butter (or mayonnaise) on top. Readiness is determined by the golden crust, in about forty minutes.
Plus, it doesn't take much effort to cook fish or chicken in foil or puff pastry.
You will see how in a couple of hours your table will be bursting with a variety of dishes. No one will believe that you did not expect the guests to arrive.
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2 comments on “How to greet guests”
- GalinaMay 8th, 2014 - 07:06
Good recipes. Salads are always prepared quickly; every housewife has her own signature salad recipes. I like sprat with eggs, fresh or pickled cucumber with mayonnaise. Fast and tasty. - InnaMay 8th, 2014 - 08:10
Indeed, unexpectedly arriving guests often take the hostess by surprise. With such simple recipes on hand, you can quickly prepare a festive table, feeding your guests to their fullest.
