Clear the Space
If the dining room is filled with non-essentials—in a small dining room that could mean everything but table and chairs—clear it out for the holiday. This “less is more” approach will make the room seem more spacious, and a spacious room is more comfortable. Also, removing unnecessary furniture will place emphasis on the table, which seems only right.
Set Up a Buffet
Take the burden off your dining room by serving food in the kitchen on a table, countertop, or island. For second helpings, guests can simply return to the kitchen, or hosts might take a mid-meal lap around the table.
Ride the Bench
If big, bulky chairs are occupying more than their fair share of space in your dining room, consider using a bench along one side of the table to accommodate one or two additional guests. It’s a family holiday, after all; closeness is fitting. You might also think about renting chairs that are more compact than your existing furniture.
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Extend the Table
Most dining tables are made in standard sizes of 36″W x 72″L with one leaf. You can extend the size of your table by placing a plywood board on top, as Diane from In My Own Style did. With a tablecloth laid over the top, no one will know the secret. Find her full tutorial here.
Limit Table Decor
As tempting as it may be to adorn your table with an elaborate centerpiece or grouping of candles, decor can quickly become clutter if space is short. Opt for minimal ornament and make the most of your table’s total surface area.
Establish a Kids Table
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Take It Outside
If you are fortunate enough to live in a warmer climate, why not move the feast outdoors? You can always use the dining room table as a buffet station, then enjoy the meal on a deck or patio—even by the pool.
Rethink the Space
If your extended table is a tight fit for your dining room, brainstorm ways to position it differently. If you position the table diagonally, it might give guests on the end a little more breathing room, or even free up space for a couple more chairs.
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