Name Card Etiquette - what is a guest supposed to do?

 

Place cards are set at the table and indicate which seat each guest is supposed to sit in. It tells the guest where they will be seated during the meal. They are part of the place setting for each guest.

The host takes a lot of time to create the perfect seating arrangement of their guests by ensuring that it will create lively and enjoyable conversation for all.  Seating, next to each other people of shared interests or experiences or even language is very conducive to a fun dining experience.

Due to this effort on the part of the organizers, it is definitely a faux pas, a big No-No for a guest to change or alter in anyway the  placement of the name cards. It is very rude of a guest to wish to rearrange what the host has decided is your location, even if you would rather sit next to your best friend.

Your host cares about creating an atmosphere for conversation that is both engaging and enjoyable and by trying to rearrange their thought-out plan you are disrupting their process. The invitation you received includes accepting the host’s indications as to where you will sit, as much as you must accept the menu that is being offered.

So, remember, if you want to be a well-mannered guest and one that will surely be invited again, never change or re arrange the name cards set at a table in order for you to decide where you would rather sit.

Remember also, that if there are no name cards placed at the table, the host may verbally indicate to you where they wish you to sit, so you definitely always comply with their desires, that is part of being a good guest.