banquet

A banquet is a large formal meal hosted to celebrate, honor, or mark a special occasion. It usually involves formal seating, a planned menu, and structured service, and may be held in a banquet hall, hotel, restaurant, or private residence. Banquets can be public or private and often include speeches, toasts, and ceremonial presentations.

Historically, banquets developed in ancient and medieval courts where feasts served political and social functions. Over time they became regular features of aristocratic life and religious or civic ceremonies, then broadened to corporate and community events. In modern contexts, banquets range from state dinners and royal receptions to weddings, charity events, and company celebrations.

Typical types include ceremonial or state banquets, wedding banquets, corporate or charity banquets, and community banquets. Menus are usually multi-course, including appetizers or hors d'oeuvres, soups or salads, main courses, and desserts, with wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverages. Service styles vary from plated, to family-style, to buffet or hybrid formats.

Organization covers invitations, seating arrangements, and program timing. Etiquette may dictate dress codes, order of toasts, and formal table manners. Banquets are valued for hospitality, social bonding, and the reinforcement of status, tradition, or shared goals across cultures.

See also: banquet hall, reception, feast.