The first thing to do is to draw up a guest list in order of social status and age. This will determine the order in which people are seated relative to the hosts of the table.
Generally, the host and hostess sit across from each other, either at the center of the table (so-called “French seating”) or with a host at each end of the table (so-called “English seating”). The advantage of the “English” seating plan is that nobody is relegated to the end of the table, the furthest from the hosts and the guests of honor. Of course, if the table is round, this problem is pretty much averted, and protocol is less important. This is why we, when we think of King Arthur, we think of the Knights of the Round Table, where each peer was seated with equal importance.
Getting back to our carefully sorted guest list.
The first man on the list will be seated to the hostess’s right, the second to her left, and so on. The same goes for the list of women.
The special case of the clergy. In case you guest list happens to include a cardinal, you should know that religious authorities have precedence over all other guests and will preside over the table with the hostess. Other leaders will be seated in order of their rank and responsibilities.
You should study your seating plan carefully. In high French society, it would be considered embarrassing for you or your guests, if there were any doubt about who should sit where.
© Picture homepage Istock, Text : Antoine Soulié « 250 réponses aux questions sur les arts et plaisirs de la table »