Making Room for Family: 10 Tips for Maximizing Table Space this Thanksgiving
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst,... More »
We've all been there. Dinnertime, Thanksgiving Day. The sun's going down, streaming in through the windows, blinding whoever's unlucky enough to sit across from them. Everyone's rushed to the table to take their seats, and you've found yourself with the last one available. Unfortunately, it's the corner. The sharp corner. And you're straddling the leg.
Dealing with less-than-ideal seating arrangements is a rite of passage at Thanksgiving, but it doesn't have to be. In a perfect world, every guest will have about two feet of space to themselves. But the world isn't perfect - especially not on Thanksgiving.
But if you're hosting this year (or even just helping your host with the set-up), these ten tips will help ease those seating arrangement woes:
Dealing with less-than-ideal seating arrangements is a rite of passage at Thanksgiving, but it doesn't have to be. In a perfect world, every guest will have about two feet of space to themselves. But the world isn't perfect - especially not on Thanksgiving.
But if you're hosting this year (or even just helping your host with the set-up), these ten tips will help ease those seating arrangement woes:
1. Stick with the traditional. If you've got the space, keeping everybody at one table is an ideal situation. Even if you have to squeeze.
by Nicole Hollis
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
2. Think outside the room. This open space actually offers multiple options for expanding the dining area. Some guests can sit at the island, while the living room table can be converted to a perfectly sized kids' table.
|
by Esther Sadowsky
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| 3. Set a fun kids' table. A kids' table is often necessary - so make it fun...so the kids want to hang out there, giving the parents a break! |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
4. Bench it. If your table is angular enough, replacing chairs with benches makes it easier to squeeze.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
5. Head outside. Granted, in most of the country, Thanksgiving dining al fresco is not an option. But if it is, you'll have even more space to extend your table.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
6. Play up the linens. Sometimes, you just have to push together a bunch of mismatched tables. Soften the transition with bright tablecloths. Festive and functional.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
7. Willfully mismatch. Don't have enough matching chairs for your guests? Don't worry about it. Eclectic is fun.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
8. Use every corner. Even if it's only a tiny spot, every corner is a good spot for a table - especially if that corner has a built-in window seat!
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
9. Work the sofa. This might be a window seat - also a great seating option - but imagine it as a sofa. Your guests won't even have to leave the table for their post-meal naps.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
10. Island up. Make great use of that island - even if you make it the kids' table. They'll love it.
Ideabook updated on Nov. 18, 2009.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
JR Nuerge
Eco-friendly+Eco-nomical=Eco-fabulous!
http://www.jrnuerge.com