David--splitting into two groups of six can help, because at least that way, they do not even have to attempt to bring all the drinks at the same time, and all the meals at the same time. And it can take a LONG time for the server to take orders from 12 people at the same time. People are more often interested in talking or whatever, and by the time the server gets to the next person, they have forgotten what they wanted to order. Been there..