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The Evening Post - 'Come dine with me. . . ' - Interiors Column - Nov 2011
When I was younger, I would sit myself at the dining table every evening with the rest of my family to eat dinner. It was often the only chance we had to spend time together and I realise now just how important those moments were.
As much as we begrudge having to sit at the table and behave when we are little and perhaps even more so as teenagers, when I reflect back on these times now it makes me value the childhood I had. We would all take it in turns to talk about our day, telling each other about the hours we had spent either at work or at school. It saddens me to think that fewer and fewer families are using meal times as a chance to converse and spend precious time together. Nowadays, Christmas is often the only time of the year when everybody gathers at the table! So I thought I would provide you with some dining inspiration to help you to create an inviting space that will make these moments more enjoyable and a little easier to put together!
It goes without saying that, for many of us, life is more hectic now than it used to be. Time seems to fly by and there never seems to be enough hours in the day to do the things we enjoy. In an ideal world, mealtimes would be incorporated into a routine with all the family in one place at the same time, though this is becoming a rarity. Often one of the reasons for the rise in popularity of the TV tray is that, in many cases, homes are becoming more compact and households are unable to dedicate a space specifically for dining, but this is an issue that can be rectified. Importantly, it is not only family meal times that should be considered, but the home should also be the ideal setting for entertaining friends. So, if you do have a dining space and want to make the most of it, let me tell you how:
It goes without saying that the most important part of a dining room is the table. Often homes that do have the luxury of this extra reception room incorporate a computer desk, television or even a sofa, but for me, a dining space should lend itself entirely to this purpose whenever possible. With technology rapidly developing, our lives have become dominated by mobile phones and emails so I find it almost therapeutic to have just one area of the home that breaks away from this mould where children and dinner guests do not become distracted.
Where space is at a premium, an extending table should definitely be a prime consideration. Not only are they just as stylish as standard designs, but are much more practical. If your kitchen, living or dining room is simply not big enough to lend itself to a full size table on a permanent basis, an extending design will still enable you to benefit from family meal times and evenings of entertaining friends and can easily fold away when not needed.
In terms of shape, I believe there is still something to be said for circular tables creating a far more sociable atmosphere. Its disappointing to go to a dinner party and only be able to talk to the guests directly next to you; don't let this be the case at yours! Circular designs will negate this issue and create a much more sociable environment.
Of course, the table you choose will depend on the layout and size of the room, along with the decoration. For a country cottage or farmhouse style of interior, I would recommend a white-washed, circular design that has plenty of character and charm. If you are looking to experiment however, then why not create a contrast with a more sleek and contemporary table that will add a bit of eclecticism to the room. Although it is best to stick with wood in a traditional setting, there is no reason why you can't incorporate a table that adds a point of interest. For an ultra-modern interior, geometric styles are often better suited and those with a glass worktop will help to create a minimalist impression. Budget and house size are crucial factors that prevent us from investing in the table of our dreams, but it is important to remember that the way in which it is dressed is just as important as the frame itself!
Your dining room should be treated as a multi-functional space that can be adjusted to suit any occasion, from Christmas dinner to a birthday tea. On a day to day basis, if you have a young family then every effort should be made to make meal times fun. It is surprising just how much of a difference a few small purchases such as individual cutlery and funky tableware can make when it comes to sitting young children at the table, and this will encourage them to partake in meal times rather than making it feel like a chore. An absolute necessity is the purchase of an easy clean PVC table cloth - this will allow you to save your finest linen for special occasions.
If you enjoy entertaining and your home is often the venue for you and your friends to chat over a bottle of wine, then this is the one room where you need to go all out. In terms of decoration, if you are one for making a statement then I would suggest incorporating a feature wall with the use of bold wallpaper that has a sophisticated pattern. Of course, paint can work just as well and now that we have entered the winter months, deep shades of reds and purples and warm oranges will make the room feel cosy and inviting. For those that prefer a more neutral scheme, even with a plain backdrop the room can still be brought to life with creative artwork and colourful tableware.
Irrelevant of the scheme you have opted for, lighting and accessories are a crucial part of any space, especially when it comes to dining. I would recommend fitting a dimmer switch so that you can easily adjust the ambience of the room accordingly and the investment of a chandelier or contemporary pendant situated over the dining table will create an elegant finish ideal for entertaining. Smaller touches including tall vases and detailed chrome candelabra's will give the space a mature edge, allowing a smooth transformation from family meal times to late night catch-ups.
If you are looking to update your dining room or even incorporate a dining space within your home, then why not put a fancy dinner service and a set of quality wine glasses on your Christmas list? There is still something to be said for getting out the finest china to make an occasion special. Spend time with your family and friends and get to work on creating a fabulous dining room to suit you!
By Lesley Taylor
Lesley Taylor is an Interior Designer, Author and full member of the BIIDA. www.lesleytaylor.co.uk.
