Definition: table plan 2

Prepare it carefully and tactfully, consult with others, and do not hesitate to modify a previously established plan, because the atmosphere of your evening depends on the accuracy of the seating plan.

As far as possible, opt for tables of eight people, with a maximum of twelve people per table. Large round tables are elegant, but not necessarily conducive to conversation with the people opposite you. Rectangular tables have the advantage of allowing conversation with more people.
Having found myself sitting next to my husband several times, I have to admit that the rule I learned long ago, which is to separate couples at the table, is no longer applied. Let's move on to an important part of the meal ceremony: the seating arrangement. This is an extremely codified area, and etiquette manuals are inexhaustible on this subject, with diagrams and seating plans to support them. The authors strive to resolve agonising (and remarkably topical) dilemmas such as "what do you do if you are hosting a duchess, an ambassador, a career military officer and a church dignitary at the same time?" Our real world may be less magical, with fewer archbishops and royalty to encounter, but that doesn't mean we can just wing it without paying attention to etiquette. Setting the table plan is a pleasure, because it is a central part of the dinner's staging, it will play a big part in its success, and also simply because it is as beautiful as a choreography. If your guests feel comfortable and well placed, your meal will be all the more appreciated.
Arrange your guests around the tables according to their age, interests and supposed affinities.
Avoid separating inseparable friends. To this end, you can plan for a table for school friends, a table for work colleagues, and a table for teenagers.
Etiquette dictates that the hosts preside, each at one end or opposite each other at a rectangular table, or on either side of the diameter if the table is round. To the right of the hostess will be the most important male guest, in terms of age, position, or if the dinner is being given in his honour. If there are two equally important guests, the one who is less well known should be chosen. Symmetrically, the woman who meets the same criteria should be seated to the right of the host. To the left of the hosts should be seated guests who are also important, but slightly younger or closer friends, and so on, alternating between men and women.

Yes, couples must be separated; they do not need to dine out to have dinner together. On the contrary, new acquaintances and general conversation should be encouraged. If you absolutely must talk to your spouse during the meal, you can stay at home! Furthermore, it is rude to have a private conversation at the table that excludes the other guests.
But, of course, there are rules and adaptations. A meal with family or old friends will be much more relaxed. If there are children, depending on their age, it may be better to group them at the end of the table, or better still, give them a separate table; very young children will be fine next to one of their parents. You should also avoid seating people who are known to be incompatible or who are too different in age and interests next to each other.
Even if the rule can be relaxed considerably, it is unpleasant and awkward to let people sit where they want under the completely mistaken idea that the absence of rules will put them at ease. They will sit according to their affinities, forming small groups, those who do not know anyone will feel isolated, and the table will be transformed into islands of private conversations, separated by small pockets of awkward solitude.

For large receptions, it is useful to name the tables, allowing you to display the seating plan with the names of the guests, who will then find their designated seats more easily with a small name card.