Setting the Table: Making Your Dining Area More Inviting

By Lauren Busser, The House Designers contributing writer

It's no secret that a Thanksgiving meal is work! The turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes all have to make it out of the oven unscathed and to the table for your guests to devour. While the smell of a well-seasoned turkey will entice your guests toward your table, there is no reason that the table and dining area can’t be inviting as well.

When placing a large group of people in a room it’s important that the room feels large. When deciding on new dining room furniture select a table with rounded corners. This shape is much more inviting and also makes the room look larger. If possible, choose a dining room table that allows for an extra leaf to be placed in the center for additional seating. Compliment the table with a set of open-back chairs to complete the center of your room.

Storage in the dining area should have a dual purpose. For this, consider a hutch or a buffet table. A buffet gives the added benefit of being both storage and a place to have guests make their plates before sitting down. A hutch, on the other hand, serves as a beautiful place to display your fine china dinnerware, crystal and glassware.

A final tip for making your dining area inviting is to play with light. That might sound difficult, but it is easier than it sounds. If your dining area does not get a lot of light from windows or light fixtures, then paint the room a light color. A light color will open up the space. A strategically placed mirror will help capture the light and reflect it. The results is a brighter space that makes all of your guests much more comfortable.

When it comes to designing your dining room, a few simple tips can make a world of difference. Remember to consider rounded corners and dual purpose furniture, and always remember that light is your friend, so embrace it and let it work for you.