What is a name card used for in a formal setting?

A name card in a formal setting serves the purpose of identifying the seated guests at an event, such as a dinner. This card usually includes the name of the individual and is often placed at each seat to help guests find their designated place at the table. This practice is essential for maintaining organization during formal gatherings and ensures that attendees interact with the correct people, thus facilitating social etiquette and communication.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the specific function of a name card. A supply of food and drink served as a meal does not relate to identification or seating arrangements. A formal military dinner inviting non-military guests describes an event type rather than a tool for identification, and a group of people standing in line to welcome guests focuses on the welcoming aspect of an event rather than the individual identification provided by a name card. This underscores the unique function of the name card as a crucial element of etiquette at formal gatherings.