I limit tables when possible to 6 people with a maximum of 8 people. I often use a 6 top and put 7 or even 8 at the table. Any larger than a 6 top it is very difficult to communicate.
Now and then big tables work IF the dining room is quiet enough to hear from one end to the other which is seldom the case.
A gathering where people walk around and mingle is much better then going to dinner at tables close together in the same area of the dining room is nice.
