In recent weeks we've been talking about the benefits of benches as a way to accommodate an extra customer at a table, or simply to make the most of a booth or alcove.
But if you're catering for larger groups, could a bench, banquette or settle take its place in amongst your banquet furniture?
It might not be the most conventional of additions, but there are plenty of ways to include bench seating at a banquet - with all of those same benefits of maximising your use of space, and so on.
And if your meal is taking place indoors, it makes sense to incorporate your benches into your table plan, to avoid having to move them to a different room out of the way.
Killarney Settles
Our Killarney Settles are versatile bench seating with upholstered seats and backs, making them comfortable over longer durations - such as a full three-course meal, for instance.
They're available in different lengths to fit different spaces, so you can choose between 120cm or 150cm, and a variety of wood finishes including dark and light oak, or a walnut finish that's right on trend at the moment.
At a weight of 33kg or 39kg, depending on the length of the bench, they're light enough to be moved into position without too much trouble, but sturdy enough to remain static once in place.
American Diner Benches
For a banquet with a less formal atmosphere, American diner furniture is a great option, and American diner benches are a key component in getting the right look overall.
When used for a party, you're less likely to have everyone sat around a single long table; instead, this type of restaurant furniture lends itself to booking out your whole venue for a large group seated at lots of tables, typically in groups of 4-6 people each.
It's a relaxed and social approach to a banquet, allowing people to get up and move around between courses or once the meal is over, and again, benches make it easy for people to 'budge up' so an extra person can take a seat while they chat.