At the dinner afterward, the conversation at my table turned to career changes.

饭后我们桌的话题转向工作变动。

youdao

I think it's the most hideous and complicated ornament I ever saw, but we put it at the center of the table when we 're giving a dinner party. It makes a useful conversation piece.

我想它是我所见过的最丑陋、结构最复杂的摆设，但是举行晚宴时我们总是将它放在桌子中央，因为作为人们谈论的话题它还是很有用的。

youdao

Guests seated next to each other should have something in common, whether it is a hobby or home state, to spark conversation at the beginning. (Ms. Fierro typically introduces seatmates to each other at casual cocktails before dinner.) While she says she enjoys intellectual conversation at the table, she's wary of heated debates.

WSJ: For a Lively Dinner, Bring a Power Seating Plan to the Table