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Making Room for Family: 10 Tips for Maximizing Table Space this Thanksgiving
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.
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!
4. Bench it. If your table is angular enough, replacing chairs with benches makes it easier to squeeze.
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.
7. Willfully mismatch. Don't have enough matching chairs for your guests? Don't worry about it. Eclectic is fun.
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!
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.