How to Arrange Rectangular Banquet Tables

Arranging rectangular banquet tables depends on the size and number of tables, the size of the space and the location of the food. All of these ingredients combined create several possibilities for banquet set-ups. The most common denominator here is the banquet table, which will most likely be a long metal table with folding legs that will be covered with a fancy cloth of some type. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Arrange your tables like a council meeting, where everyone sits on the outside of a rectangular grid of tables and faces inward towards the center of the room. This method is advantageous in that each person can see everybody else in the room. Simply arrange the tables in a rectangular line around the perimeter of the room. Leave breaks in the line of tables so that guests can get up and leave their table easily. Food can either served by a wait staff or there can be a banquet table in the center that is self-service. This arrangement is particularly good for a small to moderately sized group, where there is a lot of public speaking that takes place and the speakers might anybody in attendance.

2

Set up your tables in a circular shape. This is almost identical to Step 1 except that the tables form a curved line around the border of the room. This shape allows for fewer participants than the rectangular grid in Step 1, but the closeness of each diner is increased a tad.

3

Arrange your tables in a way where there is a head table for special guests and public speakers. Choose one end of the room to place the head table at. The head table can even be put together from several smaller tables. Arrange the rest of the tables in neat rows that run away from the head table at 90-degree angles. Place spaces between each table so guests can walk between each table with ease. If you need room for self-service food tables, they can be placed along the edges of the room in the vicinity of the head tables or at the rear of the room, depending on the location of the kitchen.

4

Change the configuration in Step 3 slightly by connecting the rows of tables to form one long row. The only advantage of this arrangement is that you can fit a few extra people into the space. However, there is one drawback in that movement across the width of the room is limited.

5

Arrange the tables in a dining hall style without any concern for public speakers. This method is pretty much self-explanatory in that you arrange the tables as best you can to fit the space. This would be accomplished by running all the tables in the same direction with ample space between each table to allow for freedom of movement. This set-up works for either self-service or wait staff banquets.
This style is designed for a banquet where there are no public speaking events to take place, but if necessary, one could set up a simple podium in lieu of a speaker's table.