With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about that special holiday meal. With grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins (and of course pets), how are you ever going to fit everyone inside your dining room? Check out these simple ways to maximize your dining space:
Get Clearing
If your dining room is filled with any nonessentials, clear them out for the holiday. Remove any unnecessary furniture and decorations will help the room appear more spacious and comfortable. This could mean only having the table and chairs left.
Limit Decorations
On a similar note, décor can also quickly clutter up a room. While it may be tempting to put out that elaborate centerpiece or candles, try to opt for a more minimalist approach. Place a small ornament in the middle to optimize your table’s total surface area.
Make a Buffet
Serve the food in the kitchen on a table, countertop, or island. This clears the amount of dishes on your dining room table, and allowing the flow of guests to move easily through the room. For second helpings, guests can simply go back to the kitchen, or hosts could take a mid-meal lap around the table.
Bench It
If you have more guests than chairs, or if your big, bulky chairs are taking up too much space, consider using a bench instead. Thanksgiving is a family holiday, and the closeness is fitting. Benches can fit 2-3 more guests per side of the table, and are very cheap to rent or construct. You may also consider renting chairs that are more compact that your own furniture.
Extend the Table
While most dining tables are made in sizes of 36”x72”, you can extend the width by 1 foot and the length by 24” by simply placing a sheet of standard plywood on top of the table. Drape a tablecloth over the surface, and nobody will be able to tell the difference.
Kids Table
If you have a huge guest list, consider breaking the party up into two sections: and adults and kids table. Tried and true, kids generally prefer to be on their own anyway.
Have a safe and happy holiday everyone!