| Summer brings entertaining which brings guests which | | | | True, you can squeeze people together a little easier |
| brings seating issues. It is never fun to sit packed | | | | because you don't need room for moving chairs but |
| together at a table with no room to eat. No matter | | | | 24" per adult is still recommended. For small children |
| how great the food, people will come away with a bad | | | | you can get away with a bit less. |
| experience. | | | | Asking people to sit without back support, works for |
| People often ask me how many can sit at a particular | | | | short duration meals only. If you are planning a multiple |
| table, bar or counter. Let me offer some quick tips to | | | | course patio dinner hoping your guests linger for hours |
| keep you out of trouble and your guests comfortable. | | | | consuming copious amounts of food and wine, give |
| - Place settings are about 18" wide. | | | | them a chair. |
| - Dining chairs generally run between 16"-20" wide for | | | | Always take into account the above measurements |
| side chairs. Bar stools can be narrower and armchairs | | | | for diner space, your chairs and your family. |
| (often outdoor chairs too) can be 22"-24" wide. | | | | This table is 72" long and 44" wide. Following the |
| - A safe amount of space (width on table) to consider | | | | above for 24" for each person would mean 3 x 24 = |
| for each diner is 24". This takes into account arms and | | | | 72". There are websites selling tables who indicate this |
| movement while eating. Larger men with big brawny | | | | is fine. It should seat three people on each side and |
| arms might require 30" of space. | | | | possibly one on each end. Doesn't work in the real |
| Here are some general rules for table sizes: | | | | world. |
| - 60" long rectangular or oval table will seat up to 6 | | | | These chairs are 19" wide at the seat and 21" at the |
| people comfortably. | | | | chair back. Can I squeeze three chairs along a side? |
| - 84" long rectangular or oval table will seat up to 8 | | | | Not and give anyone room to move. What works best |
| comfortably. | | | | for this table is two on each side and one on each end |
| - 36" round will seat 4 people. | | | | for six total. |
| - 60" round will seat 8 people. | | | | Remember, your guest should be comfortable. One |
| - 54" square will seat 8 people. | | | | needs room to eat, drink and pass food. More room is |
| What about benches or picnic tables? | | | | always better than less. |