If you want to change up your dining room for Thanksgiving or the holidays, time is running out! It is definitely too late to order anything custom, but you can find some furnishings at retail if you’re lucky. The dining room is key to a great holiday dinner, so here are some fab ideas that will help you be the host with the most style!

1. Get in Shape

The shape of your table is so key! Round tables allow everyone to see each other and be a part of the conversation, but longer rectangular tables allow you to add leaves and more seats. The shape and dimensions of your dining room are important, too. You don’t want your table to overwhelm the space so there’s no room to push back a chair or walk around to the back of the table. Think about how you entertain and which shape is perfect for your lifestyle - after all, there are many more meals to be served after the holidays!

2. Color Coordinate

One of my favorite holiday tips is to decorate festively, but don’t worry about traditional holiday colors. You don’t have to do orange pumpkins and yellow leaves just because that’s what everyone else does. Instead, consider the color palette of your dining room and home. You can find sophisticated holiday decor in absolutely any color. As long as it seems celebratory and fun, you’ll be on the right track.

3. Comfort Is Key

If your family is like mine, we’ll sit for hours at the table during the holidays, laughing and sharing memories. So be sure you’re offering a comfortable seat for everyone. I like to use upholstered seats in a dining room, but you can also find great non-upholstered seats that support your back and allow you to sit for hours. Remember that you want your family and friends to gather and relax in your home!

4. Get Casual

Remember that some of the best memories are made with good food and good laughter - you don’t have to be super formal! You can gather at a smaller table in the kitchen if you’re hosting just a few people. After all, that’s where everyone wants to congregate anyway! Or let people sit wherever they like, from the dining room to the kitchen island. It is more about having fun than being stuffy.

5. Let There Be Light

Be sure you have several good light sources for your dining space. I like to have a light over the table on a dimmer for my festive meals. You can have it on a bright setting for serving the meal (or if you have an earlier Thanksgiving meal), and then dim it later when it’s about conversation and coffee. Having several light sources will help you set the perfect mood.

Use these ideas to prepare for your holiday dinners - because it’s just around the corner!

Warmly,

Beth