How do I seat couples at a dinner party?

Add a "Seat Together" constraint for each couple. For family-style tables, they will be placed adjacently. For round tables, they will be at the same table.

What is the best layout for a dinner party of 12?

A single family-style table (12 seats per side) keeps everyone in one conversation. Two round tables of 6 work well if your dining room has two distinct areas.

Can I separate guests who had a falling out?

Yes. Add a "Keep Separated" constraint between the two guests and the solver will place them at different tables or as far apart as possible.

Does it work for a supper club?

Yes. A supper club with 8–20 guests is the ideal size. Use round tables if you rotate seating between courses, or family-style for a single long table experience.

Dinner Party Seating Chart Generator

Free seating planner for intimate dinner parties and supper clubs. Family-style and round table layouts with dietary tracking.

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What it does

Family-style table layout

One long communal table where everyone faces each other — perfect for intimate dinner parties up to 20 guests.

Couple seating

Link couples so they are always placed together. Choose adjacent or alternating opposite seats for the classic mixed-table style.

Strategic guest mixing

The solver places guests to maximize interesting cross-connections while honoring your "keep together" and "keep apart" rules.

Dietary tracking

Record vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy information per guest. See at a glance what you need to accommodate.

Place card export

Print individual place cards with guest names in your chosen theme style.

Saves in your browser

Your seating plan is saved automatically. Come back to refine it the day before the party.

How to use Dinner Party Seating Chart Generator

1
Add your guests
Enter each guest's name. Add dietary notes so you know who can't eat what before the table is set.
2
Pick a layout
Family-style for long communal tables, round tables for 6–8 guests, or mix round and rectangular.
3
Set seating rules
Use "Seat Together" for couples. Add "Keep Separated" to split guests who should not sit next to each other.
4
Generate the plan
Click Generate to auto-assign. Drag seats to fine-tune. Lock positions you're happy with.
5
Print place cards
Export individual place cards or a full table chart to set the scene before guests arrive.

The French rule of alternating seats

French dinner party etiquette traditionally alternates men and women and separates romantic partners so guests mingle freely. This tool supports the underlying principle — strategic separation of familiar pairs — through its keep-apart and alternating-couple placement modes. You can apply it at any dinner party, regardless of how strict you want to be about the tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I seat couples at a dinner party?: Add a "Seat Together" constraint for each couple. For family-style tables, they will be placed adjacently. For round tables, they will be at the same table.
What is the best layout for a dinner party of 12?: A single family-style table (12 seats per side) keeps everyone in one conversation. Two round tables of 6 work well if your dining room has two distinct areas.
Can I separate guests who had a falling out?: Yes. Add a "Keep Separated" constraint between the two guests and the solver will place them at different tables or as far apart as possible.
Does it work for a supper club?: Yes. A supper club with 8–20 guests is the ideal size. Use round tables if you rotate seating between courses, or family-style for a single long table experience.

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