Place Cards 101

Place Card Etiquette

Place cards are a great way to organize your seating arrangement, help create harmony and stimulate conversation among guests during winter holiday get-togethers. Traditionally, place cards signal a formal dinner and are used at gatherings with eight or more guests.

Use place cards to add a special touch to casual get-togethers or family affairs. Show off the theme of your party or set the tone for festivities with place cards that match the atmosphere. This winter holiday, take the seating guesswork out of sit-down dinners and let place cards guide your guests to their chairs.

Seating 101

The placement of guests at the table can make or break a dinner party. The key to a good seating arrangement is knowing your guests and finding a fellow diner who will bring out the best in their personalities. Try these seating tips:

• Seat the host and hostess on opposite ends of the table to help facilitate serving.
• Seat couples across from one another rather than next to each other to encourage conversation and interaction with other guests.
• Placing two opinionated diners next to one another can turn a dinner into a debate and seating two quiet diners together can result in a stifled conversation. Switch it up and pair a shy guest with someone who will initiate chatting and keep things lively.

What’s in a name?

Place cards are the first thing guests see when they sit down. Sometimes, making the best first impression is all in the name.

1. Verify the spelling of names before printing or writing them on the card by consulting your address book or the guest’s RSVP notice. Don’t hesitate to call your guests and ask about spelling if you’re still unsure.
2. When hosting a casual gathering or one where guests are familiar with one another, print first names on the place cards.
3. Include titles and full names of guests if you’re hosting a formal affair or if you have a large group where names overlap.
4. Be consistent with labeling. If one place card includes a title and full name, the others should, too.
5. If you’re using a tent-style place card, write names on both sides so guests can see who is sitting where. This will also make learning names easier for your guests.

The Right Place

Finding the right home for place cards on the table can add to their decorative appeal. You can put place cards:

• In the center of the plate on top of a folded napkin.
• On the table, above the forks or in between the tines of a fork.
• Inside or resting against a bowl or glass.
• On the table, centered above the entire place setting.
• Tied onto the backs of chairs.

Place Card Projects

If you’re feeling artistic, amp up the traditional tent-style place cards or cardstock tags. Incorporate your own personal style and creativity with these perfect place card ideas.

• Creative Corks: Create cute place card holders using old corks or ones purchased at a craft store. With a sharp craft knife, cut a slit along the horizontal length of the cork and slide a piece of decorative cardstock inside.

• Origami Hearts: Have your guests follow their hearts to their seats with these adorable origami creations. Use colored paper and our step-by-step folding instructions to create heartfelt, personally made place cards.

• Meaningful Memories: Set the tone for the party by writing an inspirational quote, meaningful definition of a word or the theme of the party on one side of cardstock paper and guests’ names on the other side. For a more customized touch, write a fond memory or personalized message for each of your guests on the back of their place card.

Place cards can also serve as a memento of your evening together for guests to take home. Try these place card ideas that double as party favors.

• Perfect Pear: Place an elegantly shaped Bosc pear on a decorative dish at each place setting with a small card tied to the stem with string or ribbon. The rich golden color of the pear is a great match for the holiday season and a nice favor for your guests.

• Chinese Containers: Write names on the outside of cute, colorful to-go containers that guests can use to take home food or dessert. Decorative containers can be found at craft or party stores. Choose single-colored boxes that will accentuate or complement the table design.

• Potted Pleasures: Give guests a seasonal treat by filling a miniature pot with a mix of nuts and dried berries, candies or after-dinner mints. Apply chalkboard paint on the outside of the pot and write the guest’s name in chalk or simply paint names directly on the pot.

Place cards prove that a great entertaining tool can come in a small, simple package. This winter holiday, try using them to add a personalized touch to special evenings together.