Choosing a dining table can be one of the easiest steps in decorating your dining room or breakfast area.  It is a formula driven process that basically leads you straight to the right table!  Below are the tips and tricks that will guide you directly to the perfect dining table for your space.

Photo: Viva Terra

1. Measure your space. Double check the measurements. You should even mark out the size of your desired table on the floor with masking tape. Do not leave the house until you have done this. The worst feeling in the world is to fall in love with a table, bring it home, and find that there isn’t enough room to walk around it.

2. Allow 30-36 inches of space between the table and anything around it, whether it is a wall, a buffet, a cabinet, etc.  This is how much room you need to scoot your chair back or walk through.

3. How many people will typically sit at your table?  Most people are comfortable with about 2 feet of dining space, maybe a little less.  If you have a small family but regularly throw larger dinner parties, consider a table with extensions so that you don’t feel that you are yelling across the table when it is just the few of you.

4. Rectangular tables are much more space efficient than round or oval tables.  There is much less room wasted in the middle (diners only need 14″ depth of space.)  However, round tables are the most conducive to easy conversation with a larger group.  Consider how much space you have and decide accordingly.

5. Dining tops are available in wood, veneer, acrylic, and glass.  Determine the level of durability that your lifestyle requires – think about how often you entertain, how often you actually sit at the table to enjoy a nice meal.

Photo: Mrs. Howard

The kitchen table is often one of the most used pieces in our entire home.  It is truly the definition of a multi-tasking piece.  From science projects to bills to catching up with friends to actually eating, the kitchen table takes us from morning to night.  Because we spend so much time with this one piece of furniture,  it is essential to choose a table that meets both our needs and our style.  With practically unlimited choices in aesthetics and size, how does one begin the process of selecting the right kitchen table for their own home?

Photo: Martha Stewart Living

Measure the size of your kitchen or breakfast nook.  You will want at least on each side of the table where there will be chairs.  Anything less makes it difficult to push the chair out.  Ideally, you will have more in the range of 3 feet, but this is not possible in all spaces.  A small round table fits nicely if you have a large, open kitchen and plan to break the space up with the table towards the middle.  A rectangle is nice when you are trying to separate a living area from the kitchen.

Photo: House to Home

How many people will typically dine at your kitchen table?  A small round table is a nice look, but is only practical for very small families.  If you have more than four people dining on a regular basis, then you should consider a rectangular table.  Do you need ample room for serving dishes in the middle of the table?  This will be an important consideration when choosing a table width.  Remember you can always get a table with additional leaves if large groups occur, but are a rarity.

Consider what kind of activities will be taking place at the kitchen table on a regular basis.  If you have children that will often do their homework, crafts, and playing at the table, then you will want to pick a table with an extremely durable top.  There are tables with marble, tile, and polyurethane coated woods that will stand up to all sorts of marks and spills.  If you have a contemporary style, you could even go for a plastic or metal style.  Whatever material you choose, you just have to remember that you do not want to buy a table that you have to tiptoe around.

Photo: Veranda

Lastly, you will want to decide on a style.  There are endless options available on the market today.  Depending on the style of your kitchen, you could do anything from a rustic, farmhouse table, to a french country pedestal table, to a contemporary, clean lined plastic table.

Photo: Hickory Chair

As one of the most versatile pieces and biggest investments that you will make in your home, it is worth sitting down and giving thought to the considerations that go into choosing the right kitchen table.  You’ll end up with an attractive and functional table that takes you from morning to night and from reading the paper to sneaking a late night snack.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, the place where friends and family gather for good meals and good conversation.  Follow the tips below to create a kitchen that welcomes and encourages guests to feel at ease.

1.  Try to center the stove as much as possible.  If you have an island, this is the perfect placement.  It lends itself to creating a center for conversation without leaving out the cook.  Meal preparation can be a great place to spark up a conversation.

Photo: Elle Decor

2. Pick warm, cheerful colors for the kitchen.  Try a bright yellow, orange, pink, or red.  These colors stimulate the appetite and encourage energy among your guests.

Photo: Sunset Magazine

3. Pay attention to the little details that can make your kitchen a more comfortable place to linger.  Potted plants or herbs, fresh fruit bowls, cookie jars all are nice touches that make guests feel at home.  Add those special details while avoiding clutter.

Photo: House Beautiful

4. Nice place settings will make serving meals more peaceful and organized.  They do not have to be expensive; crisp, white plates can make a huge statement and make your food stand out.  Presentation can make your kitchen a welcoming place to eat.

Entertaining starts in the kitchen and creating the ideal home for welcoming guests, friends, and family depends on the tone you set in the kitchen.

Continuing on our kitchen theme from last week, today we’re going to look at helpful ways to increase organization in the kitchen.  With all the spices, pots, pans, and other cooking supplies that take up space in our kitchens, it’s no wonder that we often have trouble finding adequate storage and organization in our kitchens.  Below are some great ideas for sneaking a little bit of sanity into our homes.

If you find yourself entertaining guests often, open shelves can be a great idea.  It allows guests to find meal preparation and serving pieces without constantly asking you.  This makes life easier for both!

Small filing drawers are the perfect place to keep recipe cards in order and within reach.

Don’t underestimate the power of store bought drawer organizers.  This drawer uses organizers to store spices at an angle, making sure they stay in place with easily read labels.

Built-in cubbies are a practical and attractive way to store wine.  The perfect bottle will be right there when you need it.

With a little ingenuity, there are endless ways to incorporate storage that is both extremely functional as well as design savvy.

Photos: Traditional Home