We currently have a similar challenge in our new home--no dining room table. We have an open bar in the kitchen which provides seating for two people but we can foresee problems when we want to entertain.
We absolutely love Sara's solution for having guests over for dinner--a card table pulled up to the couch. Because it's the fold-up type, it can be tucked away elsewhere when not in use and brought out when needed. Two red chairs add color and a lovely table cloth brings a festive touch to the space. Sara's "dining room" is cozy and warm and can be transformed back to a living room with ease.
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What a pretty room- I'd love to dine there!
How adorable!
I currently have a dining room that was orginally a bedroom next to the living room. The previous owners opened the wall and turned it into a dining room, but I would like to convert it back so that my condo will be a two bedroom. I was worried about dinner parties, since I frequently have people over. This is such a great idea and inspires me to go forward with the renovation. My couch will fit a card table underneath perfectly. This makes me kinda excited. :)
Good in theory, but how often do you sit on a couch and find yourself near the height you'd be at in a hard chair? The people on the couch will be sunken down and reaching up for their food.
@shanalulu--
28" high table and pillows.
I agree that the table has to be lower...it is uncomfortable...speaking from experience. I have dinner parties that are more casual. It's a little tricky balancing plates on laps etc. but if there's a place for the glasses (small tables, coffee tables etc) and the company's right it's still a lot of fun to have a party without a dining table.
@bepsf: is that comfortable for the chair-sitters? What I'm getting at is that it seems as though this is likely to have to be at least somewhat awkward or uncomfortable for somebody involved. I've been involved in such an arrangement at many a gathering, and have never been exactly comfortable, due to the awkward height of something, whether it be my seat, the height of my table, or the fact that I could only see the head and shoulders of those across from me!
I once through a dinner party in my college apartment with tables in a U-shape around my bed. It turned out wonderfully, but I didn't get a chance to take a picture of the arrangement. We fit more than 10 people for a sit down dinner!
I inelegantly skirt the 'no dining room table' problem with a drop leaf table that folds down into the size of a console table, and folding chairs that live in the closet. Just shove the other furniture out of the way, and it's time for dinner!
White plastic folding tables from the office supply store are more versitile than true card tables. Mine fits in about a 3 inch wide gap between the guest room armoire and the wall when not in use.
If you rarely have sit-down dinners, you can usually borrow chairs those times you need them. Or get a couple of plastic or other patio chairs for your balcony and bring them in as needed.