We recently moved our coffee table and really loving it. We can use a table that slides under the sofa for drinks. In your case I would consider a leather ottoman perhaps.

II would think that you are waiting on your table(s). Right now,with nowhere to put a drink the room looks unfinished but off to a very good start. I understand that you haven't found a table or two yet,but can you share what were the ones that came closest? ps-as for the kiddos thing, they will manage. I promise.

A large tufted ottoman so everyone can put their feet up! When you are serving snacks and drinks bring out a large tray. A tufted ottoman will be more stable for this purpose.

I understand not wanting to rush into buying a piece of furniture. How about an ottoman? They are most often fully upholstered, so no hard edges for children to fall against. Many of them can also be used for storage, and most importantly for you, they make a great place to set a tray for drinks and snacks. Don't worry about matching your seating. You can match the ottoman to one of the colors in your throw pillows.

I currently have a square glass/metal coffee table but I used and loved for a long time a fabric ottoman...I had actually picked it curbside. It was a beige microfiber fabric and cleaned up amazingly well. Used a try on top to place drinks etc.

I have this one in my family room. I use it just for that purpose; as a footstool and it hold a tray but it is even more useful as it has a pullout tray! Has been used countless times;)!!!!

Yes.

inexpensive/practical choices

If you have space behind the sofa you could do a sofa table back there to allow guests to have a place for drinks and tehn a couple of the U shaped tables that slide under the sides I don’t think you really have space for a proper coffee table with that sofa configuration, just one more reason to never order a chaise piece.

Great idea!

We went w/o one for years when our kids were small. The play area of the empty floor was premium in our homes. We didn't entertain much so never missed it. What is this space used for?

I would find 2 small tables, easily shifted around to be where needed or even tucked into a corner when not wanted. . End tables, side tables or lamp tables -- if you can find nesting tables, even better. However, those may be a bit taller than you'd like -- if you have like one with wooden legs, it is very easy to cut the height down (we did this long ago with an old Victorian dining table to make a large coffee table).

You could even make your own with a tray for a top and legs purchased from the big box story or made from pipe.

We removed our coffee table when my daughter started walking. Ten years later and she still likes to jump around the living room, do cart wheels, and act like a maniac! :) We don't miss the table and use TV trays when needed for drinks or snacks.

Thank you everyone for your thoughts! We do often use that space for building with blocks and impromptu dance parties, but an ottoman looks like it could work nicely there. I’d looked into storage benches or round wooden coffee tables but nothing was singing to me. A lot of these suggestions were very helpful, and I’m so glad there are kind and helpful people on the internet. One things for certain though: the chaise is the best spot not on the sofa but in the whole house! I’m never going to not love it.

We think an ottoman would look great, but it isn't necessary. Even some sort of nesting tables might work well for you.

Where is your couch from?

We bought it from a local company, RC Willey.