I’ve finally been to a couple of small dinner parties recently and I’m in the planning stages of hosting people at my own house. It’s been so long since we’ve all been able to entertain, and having dinner parties are a great way to start socializing again. But after so many months as a home office or a Zoom space, is your dining room ready to welcome guests? Let’s review 5 dining room essentials and how they’ll impact your party.

1. The Right Table

The shape of your table is key, both for making guests comfortable and for creating a great space for conversation. Rectangular tables are the most popular because they work well in longer dining rooms and they can fit more people at the table. Square tables make a great gathering space as they bring people closer together than a longer table. Round tables are the very best for conversation and social events - that’s why they’re so popular at weddings and banquets. Choose the one that fits best in your room and gives you the space you need for guests.

2. Comfortable Chairs

Now that we can gather together, guests will definitely spend more time with you because we all have so much to catch up on. That’s why I almost always include upholstered dining chairs in the homes I design, like in the room I just installed above. You want your guests and your family to be as comfortable as possible as they linger at the table. I love a fully upholstered chair, but if you’d prefer to have just the seat upholstered that’s ok, too. Just be sure to use fabrics that are easy to clean!

3. Supportive Sideboards

In another sneak peek of one of my new projects, you can see the lovely sideboard that we included in the space. It could be a credenza, a buffet, a console, or a sideboard, but these pieces do more than just store your “good” china. They help with serving food, serving or showcasing dessert, or even as a bar area where guests can help themselves through the evening. I love having that extra surface space in a dining room - it will keep you with your guests rather than walking back and forth to the kitchen.

4. Statement Lighting

Another essential you’ll notice in any dining room that I design is a statement light fixture. They will give you a visual focal point for the room, but they also serve an important function. With the all-important dimmer switch, these chandeliers and pendants can help you adjust the mood of your dinner party. You can keep it at full brightness when you’re serving dinner, and turn it down for after-dinner drinks and coffee. It’s the perfect way to include form and function in your home.

5. The Details

Every great room needs those perfect details - art, accessories, flowers. They tell a story about who you are and they’re great conversation starters. Always choose things that you love and that reveal your personality. Art is critical to every room in the house, so don’t skimp on including a few stellar pieces in the dining room.

So after reviewing the essentials list, how does your dining room look to you now? Does it need a revamp? We love to create unique spaces in any room for our clients, so give my team a call!

All the best,

Kara