It’s never too early to start thinking about the holiday season, a time of year that’s generally known for big family gatherings, frequent visits from friends and neighbors, and of course, delicious feasting. The holidays can also be fraught with worry, however, and concerns over whether your home, and particularly your dining spaces, will be up to the task, and ready to entertain. That’s why, in anticipation of the season of giving and sharing, we’ve compiled some expert tips to help you get ahead of your holiday hosting, and ensure stress-free success and celebration! 

Ethnicraft Bok Extendable Dining Table (Left), Mater Conscious Table (Right)

Preparing Your Communal Table

It’s important to choose a dining table that’s not only perfect for your unique space and sense of style, but also able to accommodate extra guests for holiday meals when you need to. We always recommend an extension table for just this purpose, and with so many varieties and sizes to consider, you’re sure to find one that’s right for you. The best-selling Audrey Extension Table from Copeland, for example, is handcrafted from sustainably harvested cherry wood with a GREENGUARD certified finish, and has a double X base to provide more leg room. The Bok Extendable Dining Table from Ethnicraft, with its sleek and airy style, also has the benefit of offering dependable, handcrafted construction that can stand up to years of family meals, game nights, and festive cocktail hours. Perhaps you’re looking for something a little outside of the (gift) box, in which case, may we suggest the Conscious Table from Mater? Known for using upcycled materials comprised of recycled wood, plastic and aluminum waste, Mater has expertly crafted this extension table to be a conversation starter that’s also ethically-sourced, and sustainably-made from solid, FSC certified oak. Your guests can dine in style, and you can make a contribution to more environmentally friendly furniture manufacturing! 

Parson Dining Chair (Left), Casale Dining Chair (Right)

Seating For All, In Comfort And Design

When it comes to the holiday season, we often say the more the merrier! At Urban Natural, however, we don’t believe that more guests should mean less comfort for everyone. The trick is simply to get creative and versatile with your seating choices, which not only frees up additional space for those unexpected plus-ones, but also creates an inviting and comfortable atmosphere for all. One idea is to swap out individual chairs for some solid benches or settees; these gorgeous pieces can usually fit more people with minimal bulk. Another smart option is to mix and match your dining chairs, with the narrower, more minimalist ones along the length of your table, and the larger, more traditional chairs at your table heads. A heavier upholstered chair, like those in the collection from Cisco Home, can be placed at the head and foot of your table for a bold and deliberate look that offers additional support for any family members who might require it. The ample organic fabric and color options of these more formidable chairs also lend an eye-popping style to your holiday tableau. Next, you can incorporate slimmer, more rustic chairs along the sides of the table to better accommodate as many guests as possible. They’re easier to clean quickly, should you have a spill during the meal, and they give the room a more open feel overall. The sculptural beauty of Copeland’s Estelle side chairs, made from sustainably harvested cherry or walnut wood, and the smooth simplicity of Ethnicraft’s Casale chairs are both excellent choices to round out your holiday dining area.

Catalina Round Dining Extension Table (Left), Eternity Side Chair (Right)

Small Space Solutions For Festivities

The holiday season may be a time for gathering and entertaining, but that doesn’t mean your small spaces have to miss out on the fun. Incorporating a round extension table is a nice solution that can tuck nicely into smaller rooms, while still extending when you need to seat a few more friends. We love Copeland’s Mid-Century modern Catalina Round, sustainably made from solid wood in Vermont, and available in cherry or walnut. The Bok Round Extension Table is also an ideal solution for smaller spaces in particular, with its self-storing butterfly leaf, and handcrafted beauty. Look for lightweight chairs to complement your smaller dining areas, since they enable everyone to move and mingle more freely in the space, in addition to helping make last-minute seat changes a breeze too! In addition, if you’re needing to maximize space even more, we might steer you toward a casual, stackable chair like Mater’s Eternity side chair which also comes with an upholstered option. Made from 70% recycled industrial plastic waste, and 30% recycled coffee waste, these dining chairs are doing their part for the environment, while also serving your hosting needs with swift and elegant ease. 

As we wind down into the latter half of another year, we know there’s a lot to consider and plan for to make those holidays bright. By making your dining furniture decisions now, you’ll set yourself up for success, and set your table for celebration and good cheer.