Do empty seats still get a place setting?

I would put a place setting there for uniformity.

Great question because I never thought of that until seeing your post. If I end up being in that situation myself, I will still do the place setting for the whole table and chairs. I say this because I like uniformity and I know I will complain later it doesn’t look right if I don’t do it.

No! That would look more odd. If there is one fewer person at the table, you should just spread out each chair and place setting a bit (you don’t really want it looking like you had a ton of no-shows!)

Also consider that you’re paying for each plate, glass, napkin, fork, menu card etc. each thing is relatively inexpensive but adds up. As long as you space out the seats and place settings evenly, you should hardly notice the difference

I don't think you would put a chair or a place setting there.

Like PP said, you just spread out the place settings and seats to make the table look full.

I agree that tables should be set for the number of people sitting at that table, with the appropriate number of chairs -- just give them a little more room! (I'd much rather be at a table set for 7 or 8, with a little "elbow room," than crammed into a table of 10). If by chance you have a couple people show up who were not expected, your DOC or whoever can quickly add a place setting or two to one of the tables with fewer people. But having a bunch of intentionally unused place settings is going to look like a lot of people didn't show up (or, showed but went and sat somewhere else which might make others at that table feel weird).

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This is what I was going to suggest. I'd simply remove the chair(s) and spread out the other settings a bit. I would not set an empty place; not only is it a waste of money but, it would look very odd.

Nope! Don’t have a place setting or chairs. If you do, it’ll look like people just didn’t show up. Also, your guests at those tables will really appreciate the extra elbow room!

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I didn't even think of removing the chairs! How dumb of me. That completely solves everything. ha! Thank you(:

I wouldn't! It will look like you had no-shows.

I would do a place setting otherwise it may look unfinished or empty

I've seen a singular empty place setting done and left for family that is no longer with us - but usually there was a photo or memento of that person on the plate instead of a napkin. But otherwise just set the number of people that will actually be sitting there at each table.