Balancing your plate on your lap and eating over the kitchen sink may work for awhile but at some point you'll feel better about life if you eat at a proper table. While it may seem like a waste of space, especially in a small apartment, a dining table can become an essential piece of furniture, used for meals, crafts and even serving as a work station. Check out this roundup of dining tables big and small to see if there's one that will fit in your home.

• Get the Look: Retro Round Small Dining Tables
• Small Yet Stylish Studio Dining Solutions
• 6 Dining Tables for a Warm Industrial Look
• Best Drop Leaf & Gateleg Tables 2012
• High & Low: 5 Sources for Tulip Tables
• A Touch of Iron: Dining Tables, Accents & Consoles
• Dinner Party Perfect: Rectangular Dining Tables to Seat 8-10 Guests
• Small Space Solution: Folding & Expanding Tables
• Rustic + Industrial: A New Style of Farmhouse Table
• Get the Look: Simple White Dining Tables More

I recently went through the exciting, and somewhat grueling, process of registering for my wedding. When it came to choosing table linens I was not overly impressed with the selection at most of the major department stores and chains. Why settle of the overly floral or "put a bird on it" solution when there are so many awesome alternatives? More

Blue and green decor have always made excellent friends. The aqua, teal and seafoam items in this set show how well they get along. Calm and harmonious, this set will dress the dining room with soothing hues. More

Sources
(help us complete the list in the comments below)
Chandelier: 1920s, from an Estate Sale
Floor: Terracotta tiles
Painting: Christoph Shmidberger
Table: _____
Benches:_____
Chair with Red Cushion: _____
Sideboard:_____
Mirror: _____

Every now and then I stumble upon some interiors that totally get me excited - giving me ideas for how I'd like my home to be one day. Some of them are a bit extreme, but the ideas embedded in them stick and I find myself daydreaming in this direction for weeks. When I saw these pic of Host Restaurant in Copenhagen I fell in love. More

A few weeks ago when we asked design lovers what they wanted this holiday season, there was a recurring theme: chic serving bowls. No wonder — they quickly dress up a dining table, plus they double as décor when not holding dinner. Here are your favorites, with a few of ours for good measure: More

When it comes to setting your dining table sometimes simple is best. Keeping classics on hand ensure a clean, chic, timeless table, regardless of the season or holiday. Neutral colors and natural materials always look great solo, together, or mixed in with special occasion wares. More

The new traditional table nods to classic designs that have withstood the test of time, but cleans them up a bit, or gives them a slight twist with an even slighter sense of humor. This is a mix of simple modernist pieces and time-honored vernacular favorites, made just a little bit new in subtle ways that will last for years to come: More

To me, there are few things more cozy than a warm industrial style. Incorporating metal, wood, leather, and the soft luster of age, it's a style that's able to incorporate both the rustic and refined.
More

The best thing about setting a monochromatic table is how easy it is! Any mix of textures and patterns will look unified as long as you stick to a one-color theme. It's a great opportunity to have fun with your favorite color (you probably already own enough of it to set a table) and make a bold statement at the same time. More