Do you want to play house with me? To me, dining areas are the epicenter for playing house. Tea parties, enjoying pretend (and real) cooking, gatherings, celebrations, and simple everyday life all happens where we dine. We share meals, have heated discussions, exchange stories, entertain guests, do projects, unpack, pack, clean, and much more. I consider my home a testing ground where I educate myself, and this week I learned about how to improve my dining room.
Our house has only one dining area and it is situated between the kitchen and living spaces. I know many people have multiple places to eat in their homes with formal dining, bar seating, and breakfast nooks.
The following principles can apply to any dining space.
First Things First = The Table.
After reading research for this week, I’ve decided I want a round table. Referencing my favorite design book, Feng Shui That Makes Sense, Cathleen McCandless says, “Dining rooms are designed to be spaces where people can gather to share a meal…the most important feature is the dining room table.” The ideal table is ROUND as it creates equal seating for all people, eliminates sharp (dangerous/unsettling) edges, and promotes shared relaxation. Oval tables are better than rectangular ones, because the edges are softer, but they do not provide the same feeling of unity as a round table. Sturdy wood tables and supportive chairs provide the most pleasant experience.
Up Next= Color and Lighting.
Warm colors are the most comfortable, but beware of red and orange as they stimulate the appetite and serve better as accents. Earth tones, fresh greens and whites, soft yellows, and warm blues can work well. Other rich colors used as accents in pillows or drapes can add a luxurious element. Adjustable lighting (think dimmer switch) is flexible for the mood of the moment. A mirror can reflect light to help small dining rooms appear bigger. Quality lighting will transform any environment.
And Next= Practicality and Plants.
As a mother of two, I cannot discuss playing house in the dining room without considering cleanup. Feeding people is so much better when I can minimize unnecessary work. This means I have learned to appreciate streamlining. I am sure there is a time and place for tablecloths, tchotchkes, fine china, and crystal, but I am not there. We are grateful for our solid wood table (even though it is rectangular) and easy to wipe vinyl and metal chairs. Cloth napkins and small washcloths work well and are environmentally friendly. Truthfully, strapping both our girls into high chairs has saved my sanity more than once, so we have two highchairs. Plants are my artful win (See “Positively Planting It”) and I enjoy the vibrancy all our plants exude.
Finally= Entertaining.
I love hosting people in my home, especially when it is simple! I have learned to keep things as close as possible to where they will be used, which makes moving stuff easy. I have found great spots for my entertaining dishes and supplies near our dining room. Dishes can often be eliminated in exchange for aluminum or paper products (which are better for the environment than plastic, see “How to Dump Like A Pro”). Pot luck style meals keep cooking and cleanup effortless. I like to prepare food ahead of time, so I can relax once guests arrive. Also, I set things up with signs to encourage people to help themselves.
As with any space in the home, I recommend purging, cleaning, sorting, and then finding storage solutions to fit your items. I frequently move things around as I find the most efficient spot. Things have a way of spilling over into other areas, so I follow the trail cleaning along the way. It is exhausting work sometimes, but hopefully the little moments of happy eating and entertaining can fuel our journey. Happy dining!
Love Always,
Meg
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