The NKBA used to state 24" "linear" space per person at table-height; now they say 30" (with 19" of leg room for each person, meaning minimum of 38" deep rectangular/oval table...but yours will be a round table so the leg room will not be an issue for you.) So, the circumference of a circle = 2(pi)r pi = 3.14 2r = diameter = 54" or 60" 54" table circumference = 169.56" Divided by 24" = 7.065 Divided by 30" = 5.652 60" table circumference = 188.4 Divided by 24" = 7.85 Divided by 30" = 6.28 Because of the curve on a round table, I think the 24" number would be fine to use for spacing. As to your children - do NOT base any decisions on the current sizes/ages of your children - they grow very, very quickly and anything you do based on their current sizes/ages will be obsolete just as quickly! Plan for them at adult size - they will be that by their early teens! Here's some information I found about seating: http://www.brightsettings.com/Seating-Setup-Guide.htm Common Seating Capacities Per Table Round Tables 36" Seats 4 People 42" Seats 5 People 48" Seats 5 People 54" Seats 6 People 60" Seats 8 People 72" Seats 10 People http://www.rr-partyrentals.com/faqs_front_end/index.cfm?fuseaction=list_faq_para&cat_id=2&detail_id=7 Seating & Space Information: Round Tables 36" - Seats 2-4 48" - Seats 4-6 60" - Seats 6-8 72" - Seats 8-10 BTW...Do not base your seating on your experiences at weddings or other events you go to. In many cases they squeeze as many people to a table as possible, knowing it is temporary seating and that most people will only be seated for a short time while they eat...at least a few people from each table will be up and about and that will give the others more room. But, what will the aisles be like around the table? You say the space is "not a separate measurable room" and that you currently have a "36 x 60 table...[that]...works well whether I have it longways along the slider door or the perpendicular to the slider". Based on how you plan to use it, I think you would be better off with a rectangular or oval table 42" deep with, possibly, several leaves to customize its size. We have a 42" deep table and its just deep enough to allow basic serving dishes for every-day meals. We also use our table for games and find that with a board game it's barely deep enough and no one has trouble reaching the board or the center of the table...another 18" would be fine...it's only adding 9" to the reach to each person (9" more from a 42" deep table). In your case, 60" is only adding another 6" to the overall depth and only 3" to the reach (to the center) for each person. If you must go with a round table, I personally would recommend the 60" table.

You need around 3’ larger than the table measurements because you want diners to pull back chairs and keep all 4 legs on the rug. Diagram is to scale with a 42” x 52” table in an 11’ x 11’ room. The “rug” is 7’ x 8’. Not a popular size, but you can have one cut to size and blend which could be beneficial to you. I tried doing a square rug, but the 10” difference in width takes away almost a foot of rug.

Maybe this will be helpful. I wouldn't recommend square for your configuration. Could you put a round table in between the two chairs?

@Sueb20, the chairs at ballard are different-- they are cast aluminum but the ones I like are wrought iron. I would consider the ballard chairs except that the standard cover color (sand) won't work for me (i have beige brick-- they'd disappear)-- and it's another $700 or 800 to replace the cushions. Wayfair has something similar that they say ships in 10 weeks (vs 40 wks) but I don't trust them-- they don't update shipping times and I have ordered numerous items that have not shipped, not shipped and then cancelled. Maggie.. I think where i have landed is to keep a table for two under the covered patio and consider a second, larger table when I build out the uncovered patio (for grills, sitting in sun, etc). If i am being honest with myself and you, I am more likely to casually hang with SO/friends/sisters and serve cocktails than to serve full meals. I think this setup will do well for that kind of gathering ... and/or a meal for 2. I just don't Entertain (with a big E) that much anymore. Others in my circle have better spaces for entertaining (and parking) crowds. This has been a good exercise for me to really think realistically about how i will use the space. Thanks for the input!