Lunar New Year Banquet Tables: Seating and Rentals for Chicago

Lunar New Year is celebrated by many communities in the Chicago area, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and others, each with its own customs. Family reunion dinners, office parties and community banquets all share one need: round tables where everyone can reach shared dishes. This guide covers the layout, the counts and the small items that make the dinner work.

Why round tables of 10

Shared dishes are the heart of the meal. A round table means everyone sits at the same distance from the center, and a turntable lets guests rotate dishes without passing. A 72-inch round seats 10 with room for plates, bowls, teacups and the center dishes. A 60-inch round seats 8 and feels more intimate. If the table is too small, the dishes crowd the edges and the turntable cannot spin.

Table count by guest number

If a lion dance, a performance or speeches are planned, leave an open floor near the front. Ask your venue how much clear space it needs for performers.

Color, linens and chairs

Red and gold are common for the holiday, but you do not have to use both. Choose the color scheme with your family. A 72-inch round with a floor-length cloth needs a 132-inch round cloth (see the tablecloth size chart). Chairs should be comfortable for a long dinner. Gold Infinity chairs (estimated $9 to $13) suit banquet halls and glow under warm lights, and ghost chairs ($10 to $14) keep red tables the focus. Many halls provide basic chairs, so rent upgrades only where you want them.

What to put on the table

Plan for more than plates:

• A turntable on every table of 8 or more, if the venue does not provide them.
• Bowls, teacups and small plates in addition to dinner plates. See our china rental guide.
• Serving spoons and chopsticks for shared dishes.
• Napkins, which are often used heavily. See how many napkins per guest.
• Tea service at the table or at a station.

Red envelope and greeting tables

Many gatherings include a red envelope exchange or a greeting table at the entrance. A 6-foot banquet table with a floor-length cloth, a basket and a sign is enough. Place it away from the main door so guests do not block the entrance. For sign ideas, see signage and easels.

Chicago notes

• Chinatown and other Chicago-area communities host public Lunar New Year events. If you plan a private banquet near a busy date, check parking and street closures well before the day.
• Winter weather affects coat storage. Plan a rack or coat check. See coat racks for winter events.
• Many restaurants and banquet halls book out for the holiday. Reserve the room first, then order rentals to fill the gap.

Get your banquet priced

Tell us your guest count, venue and date and we will help you plan tables, chairs and linens in one call. Book a free 15-minute seating call or request a quote.