It was a memorable day in May on our verandah at Fox Hall when 50 ladies attended a luncheon in honor of Lady Carnarvon of Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey). As the hostess of the event, I chose to sit on one side in the center of the table, with Lady Carnarvon seated across from me. Having your guest of honor seated in the center, it allows them to engage with even more guests than if they are seated at one end. When I stood up to propose a toast, it enabled guests to hear me on my right and left, versus having to shout from one end of the endlessly long table! Photo credit: Deb Key
With Easter upon us, and splendid spring galas approaching and celebratory weddings ahead, I was inspired to discuss two seating options for large gatherings.
A clever seating arrangement, one I had not heard of before, is “New York seating.” My precious friend in Arizona, who has always been a terrific cheerleader for my newsletter, recently reached out to share this seating technique with me! In essence, unlike alternating boy-girl seating, New York seating has a guest seated with their spouse on one side of them, and someone of the same gender on the other side.
For example:
I would have Stuart on one side, and a lady guest whom I may not know, on my other side. Essentially, it is a lady, with her husband on one side, and another lady on her other side… on and on.
At a wedding, a large gathering, and especially, at a long table, every hostess strives to create a seating plan that will graciously mix people together. New York seating gives someone from their own gender to talk to on one side, and one’s spouse on the other side. My friend said, with a wink, “It prevents the business tycoon from being stuck between two women who may wish to talk about more feminine topics like children or fashion! And for shy guests, it creates a comfort zone. It doesn’t work with all numbers, but when it does, it is like magic!”
The table was set for a ladies' luncheon, but the next time I host a dinner for mixed couples, on a similarly long table, I will try the New York seating arrangement!
Another seating example is to have the host and hostess sit across from one another in the center of the table, versus at either end of the table. This way, they both have the opportunity to engage with more of their guests, either on their right and left, or across the table as well. And, the amusing aspect of this seating arrangement? It allows the couples to “play footsie” with one another.
XX,
Holly
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