Learn the dining room layout and setup mistakes to avoid when hosting or entertaining.
To understand what makes a dining roomwork for entertaining, two experts are sharing their expertise.
Alison Cheperdakis an author, attorney, and certified etiquette coach at Elevate Etiquette.
Credit:Josh Grubbs
Aleka Shunkis a content creator and founder of Aleka’s Get-Together.
Too-Bright Lighting
The level of lighting in a space can impact how relaxed we feel.
“Think about your favorite upscale restaurants,” Shunk says.
“Do they have bright, harsh lighting or a soft, warm glow?
Most likely, it’s the latter.”
To achieve the perfect glowy effect,opt for candles, sconces, oroverhead light on a dimmer.
Uncomfortable Furniture
Dining room furniturecan have a huge impact on your guests' experiences.
Considerations include space to maneuver, comfort, and accessibility.
“Avoid chairs with armrests unless they are placed at the head of the table,” Shunk advises.
Another furniture item on the chopping block: dining benches.
“Benches require more effort to maneuver, especially for those seated in the middle.”
Look for supportive,upholstered chairsthat allow each guest at least two feet of space from side to side.
Take your time finding seating that is easy to move in and out and provides enough room between guests.
Inaccessible Food and Drink
confirm guests have easy access to food and drink throughout the night.
“[Ensure that] dishes are easy to reach and theres space to enjoy the meal comfortably.”
Competing Scents
We often think of scent when creating ambiance.
However, strong scents can irritate sensitive guests and compete with the experience of your menu.
“I recommend unscented candles and letting the aroma of delicious food take center stage,” Chepardak says.
Save scented candles or fragrant floral arrangements for your entry or your after-dinner lounge seating.
You also want enough space between people to make dining comfortable.
“I don’t recommend squeezing in chairs if guests will be bumping elbows,” Shunk says.
Poor Acoustics
Excluding upholstery from your dining room is a mistake.
You need soft surfaces to absorb the sounds of clattering cutlery so that guests can hear each other.
