If your thoughts are already turning to the holidays and how you’ll decorate, chances are you’re also thinking about how to host a memorable dinner and all that entails. From tablescapes to food—to the actual dining and living room furniture—you can make this year’s celebrations the best yet.
It all starts with the meal, naturally, and the table you plan to serve it on. For long, leisurely holiday meals, the first step is ensuring that there is enough comfortable seating for everyone.
An extendable dining table
The saying “the more, the merrier” certainly applies during the holidays, especially when you have a large dining table that offers the possibility of extension. These options are so incredibly versatile; you can easily adjust the size according to the amount of space you have in your dining room or the number of guests you’re expecting for dinner.
The Bolanburg extension dining table has a removable centre leaf and seats up to 8. Simply extend the table by pulling both ends and dropping the leaf into the middle. This fashionable piece, a blend of farmhouse and contemporary style, has a textured black wood stain with a waxy topcoat. Dining chairs are sold separately.
You’ll love the classic elegance of the Bruxworth dining extension table, with its sleek lines and traditional design. Done in a rich brown espresso finish, it looks striking set against light-coloured upholstery and décor.
If you’re a fan of both modern farmhouse style and a cool gray colour palette, consider the Myshanna dining extension table. This piece features plank styling, a slightly distressed finish and seats 8 comfortably. It’s made of wood, acacia veneer and engineered wood and includes two extension leaves that attach at either end.
Serving essentials
Keep the glasses full all evening with a handy bar cart kept close-by. Stocked with the basics, guests can serve themselves as needed so you can relax and enjoy the festivities.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box here: if alcoholic spirits aren’t a key part of your celebrations, you can use a drink cart to offer welcome snacks and nibbles, an array of sweet treats for after the meal, or even to display the hats, confetti and noisemakers that will usher in the new year.
The Kailman serving cart, with its gold-tone finish and two shelves with mirrored glass, is a chic addition to any soirée. It’s set on casters for easy mobility and showcases clean lines.
The piece is equally glamourous in black.
Comfy post-meal seating
Make sure there are lots of places for your guests to sit, unwind and get cosy after dinner. When it’s time to start the big gift exchange, everyone will have their own comfy spot. This could mean adding in an accent chair or two, or maybe investing in a new couch.
The Hazela sofa has a slim profile, an airy look and works well in smaller rooms. The classic, neutral hue of the upholstery is enhanced by a subtle chevron pattern and thin, black accent legs. It is also available as a loveseat or chair.
If you think you may have overnight guests now or in the future, why not consider a sleeper sofa? The Altari queen sofa sleeper is a handsome contemporary piece, done in slate gray. It has clean lines, sleek track arms, plump cushioning and upholstery that feels as soft as chenille. The sofa even includes a pair of floral pattern pillows. The pull-out queen mattress is made of memory foam, so guests will enjoy a good night’s rest.
Accent chairs not only provide additional seating, they often complete and balance a room’s overall décor. Add a splash of colour with the blue Jarreau chair, which also comes in gray. It’s super comfy thanks to its oversized pillow back. Stylistic touches include piping along the arms and tapered, exposed feet.
Lastly, this champagne-finish tray, Derex, definitely deserves to make an appearance this holiday season. It’s both useful and gorgeous, thanks to the combination of that stunning finish and the mirrored glass tray. Use it to deliver drinks and glasses, as pictured, or as part of your seasonal décor.
Ashley HomeStore North offers a wide range of furniture pieces, artwork, decorative accents and storage solutions for every room in your home. Looking for more great design ideas? Follow the store on Instagram.