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For dinner parties I host, when should I have place cards and assigned seating and when should I let guests seat themselves wherever they choose? I don't want to be too rigid, yet I want to make sure I encourage people to mingle and start a conversation with someone new. Tina

Place cards are usually used when eight or more are at the table or when multiple tables are used for an event. Here are some rules of thumb I like to follow for seating to ensure guests have a good time. Separate married couples and close friends. Alternate male-female seating if your guest list permits. Think of personalities. Separate people who are introverts, extroverts, listeners, talkers. Your objective is to promote an interesting, fun and lively conversation at the table.

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