FOUR STEPS TO A GREAT DINING EXPERIENCE
Welcome! The season of family & friend gatherings have begun. Is your dining room ready? Four ways to create a great dining experience.
This time of year sneaks up on us every season. Don't panic, you can create a great dining experience with little effort within the next few weeks. Four basic steps to creating your dining experience are listed below.
First lets create the mood with two areas. One is wall color, the second is lighting. If budget allows, painting the walls or upholstering the walls in your dining room can make a big impact. If your dining room is a separate room, using darker dramatic color can instantly create mood. If you have an open floor plan your window treatments and accessories will need to create the drama. Tones in peach,orange,coral and amber,stimulate conversation,help with digestion and help make skin tones look great.
Lighting is very important. Depending on the mood, the more romantic, the lower the lights. You can create lighting effects by having a dimmer installed on your dining lighting, use buffet/table lamps with incandescent bulbs and /or use candles. Your overhead lighting fixture should be installed about 32- 36" above the table. If your table is round or oval, most times a single fixture will light the entire table sufficiently. However longer rectangular tables may need two fixtures.
Set-up is next. You must decide ahead of time if it is going to be a sit down dinner or buffet? Locate your food close to your dining area if your setting up a buffet. Height for a buffet table can be 30", 32" or 36" high. Plates should be first in the buffet order. Leave napkins, silverware and glass wear on the table. Create a low table scape with either candles, glass jars filled with festive items inside, greenery, or use food as your table scape.
Comfort is last but not least. Your seating should be comfortable and supportive. Spacing between guest should be spaced 18- 24" apart. The size of your table will dictate how many people can be seated comfortably. Twenty four inches is more comfortable spacing. Using chairs without arms will allow for more chairs to be placed. A cushioned seat and back are most comfortable. If you have a wood back, a slight slant to the back versus a straight back is better. Give yourself plenty of time for preparation. What ever the occasion, enjoy your family & friends and your home.
IMPORTANT DIMENSIONS:
AREA RUG SIZE: You will need to round up to the closest size. Starting point for width for under a dining table - Table width plus 48", length is table length plus 48". This will allow for the chair to be pulled out and still be on the rug.
SPACE FROM TABLE TO WALL: 34"- 38"
SPACE FROM TABLE WITH PASSING SPACE: 42"- 44"
TABLE & SEATING SIZES: based on 24" spacing
36" Square , 42" sq: 44" x 34" Racetrack, 48/60 x 42 rectangular, 42" round = 4 seats 48" round = 5 seats 55 x 36 racetrack, 72/84/ x 42, rectangular, 78 x 48 oval, 54" round = 6 seats 60" round = 7 seats 82 x 36= 8 seats 120 x 42 = 10 seats 120 x 60= 12 seats
I hope you find this information helpful and inspiring. Please share these monthly E-mails with friends and families. Feel free to email me any questions or suggested topics you'd like us to discuss.
Sincerely,
Stacey Sexton -ASID, CID
S. Sexton Design Associates
732-222-6939