Round Table Dining

When we were young, we used to “make a circle” when we gather together to sing a song or play a game.

There is something very cohesive, healing, uplifting, egalitarian and collaborative about joining together in a circle.

Good friends and family that share a lovely meal at a round dining table are no different. Eating “in the round” is nothing new when it comes to “intertaining” as this configuration of seating dates back to the Middle Ages when celebrations and parties began to take hold.

The Round Table is King Arthur's famed table in the Arthurian legend, around which he and his Knights congregate. The symbolism of the Round Table developed over time; by the close of the 12th century it had come to represent the chivalric order associated with Arthur's court, the Knights of the Round Table.

On the other hand, the Chinese culture took round table dining to a whole new level where certain etiquette was used to honor each guest and even an embedded and rotating Lazy Susan (serving tray) was added to the center of the table so as to make it easy for everyone to share in every part of the meal.

Why is round table dining so special? What makes a dinner party that takes place at a round table more successful and more satisfying than eating at a square table?

Here are 4 reasons why we think round dining tables are the dinner party table of choice.

Everyone is an equal

Quite different from a square table or most especially a rectangular table, a round table generally has no “head of the table” or leader.

At a round table, there is no “hierarchy” in terms of where people sit because every seat at the table is just as important as any other. When people come together to relax and enjoy a dinner party, the last thing anyone wants to do is take notice of who is sitting where or be concerned about whether they are choosing a seat that is otherwise reserved for someone else.

When it comes to dining at a round table, all seats are up for grabs and your guests are likely to feel very comfortable picking a spot and settling down for a great meal

Conversation is all-inclusive

When sitting at a square or rectangular table, most people are not comfortable speaking to the person right next to them. To do so takes more effort and it also feels a bit awkward. However, at a round table, everyone is seated at a comfortable enough angle away from each other such that speaking to other diners either seated next to you or even across the table from you is both easy and engaging.

At a round table, it is very likely that more people will participate in a lively and carefree conversation. When everyone is able to contribute, the overall dining experience is both pleasurable and memorable.

Friends and family can get cozy

Generally, when a dinner party takes place at a round table, the meal is then considered “family style.” There is a certain kind of intimacy that family style eating can create.

Not only can more people “squeeze in” around a circular table, but there is a feeling that “we are all in this together.” In other words, the dinner party is not only an opportunity to experience great food, but it is a chance to enjoy the special bonds that come with friends and family sharing a meal together.

Easy access to the food

When dining at a round table, the food is generally placed in the center of the table. With the food at the center of the round table, everyone around the table can easily get to the dish in front of them or if what you want is across the table from you, having someone pass you the platter or dish is a snap of the finger, if a “Lazy Susan” is not present. 

A dinner party can be a great success no matter what shape the dining table is. A round table would be a great option for a dynamic, light-hearted and fun experience to allow for everyone to come together in modern day, not just for knights!