Banquets are major events held for a lot of people, generally to celebrate an important event, to mark the end of a congress, or to honour esteemed guests, and have clearly defined specifications and a fixed programme. The seating arrangement at table should be set beforehand. The place of honour at the head of the table is reserved for the most distinguished guest. Ladies and gentlemen are placed at alternating seats, and husbands and wives should not sit next to one another. Guests should only speak to their neighbours. The toasts are started by the host. If a toast is addressed to a specific guest (usually the most distinguished one), the guest repeats the toast.
The arrangement of meals and drinks is fixed. Of course it depends on you how this is laid out. The standard menu generally consists of a starter, soup, two meat dishes with side dishes served one after the other, a dessert, cheeses, fruit, and coffee. An aperitif is served before the guests take their places at the table, as a "welcome drink".