Yeah, the spaces all seem inviting, but hovering near the kitchen with the cooks/food or hanging out on the comfy couch are always going to be more attractive to guests. It's not the decor! Nobody wants to socialize at a table unless they're actually having a meal.

Wow! Beautiful house... everything else looks so comfortable, that the table area is always going to lose out. Here's a couple of suggestions: could you convert the area where the built in buffet is to a window seat? Make it a spot that is super comfy i.e. angled back rest, correct height to floor for comfortable sitting and long enough for curling up for a nap with some nice squishy pillows. I would also suggest a more colourful rug under the table at least 2 chairs that are really comfortable with arms. The other possibility is to convert the area to a library or 'business" zone for paying bills, doing household accounts, researching recipes, doing homework etc.

Wow! Thank you!!! you guys are so sweet. I love these ideas! I had never thought of the window seat. I'm going to see about getting some more comfortable chairs, and possibly switching out the rug. Maybe I'll post a before and after. :) Thanks again!

try a softer chair, maybe wicker? glass table, maybe some pottery on the side table.

Gorgeous house, but I think a tad too much wood. I'd exchange the dining chairs for upholstered ones, something in a natural fabric like linen to go with the wood.

Well, if you need an extra to come sit at the dining table, I am available;) I agree with Grover on the seating. Lisa, you have a gorgeous home!

i find people tend to congregate where the food is, and where the drinks are too. since its always easier to have beverages on kitchen counters, if you set them up there, thats where the people will be. if you set the beverages up on your buffet, thats where the people will be.

if you want people to just mill around your dining room when its not meal time, set the chairs away from the table so people can walk up to the platters of food on the table, when they have to reach over a pushed in chair they are less likely to eat.

if you are doing a game evening, have the games set up when they arrive, if you ask 'anyone want to play a game' they always say no, but if its all set up, they are happy to do that.

if you like jigsaw puzzles have one set up on an end of the table too.

i've found, if there is no food and no drinks in the kitchen, the people will head to where the food and drinks are.

and BEAUTIFUL SPACE!

I agree, grover, it's a lot of wood. I've thought about painting the paneling on the walls, but I'm scared to bite that bullet. There are so many great ideas here. You guys are awesome. Thank you!

Lisa, don't you paint one inch of that paneling. Don't even think about it. Don't make me come over and rip that paint brush out of your hand.

Wow!!! Look how amazing it looks with those chairs. Ok, I'm putting the paintbrush down and going chair shopping. ;)

Yay Grover! This is one house where the wood looks awesome!! Lots of light in this beautiful space.

Do you ever wish for more substantial lighting over the table? One like over the counter...

I have to agree with lisa_b's comment above - I think that some of the wood can be painted. Lisa, you can upload your photos to SW site and play around with colors. I love those floors!!!