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Upgrade your table and chairs in time for winter entertaining and festive gatherings
as Christmas is just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to get your seating sorted so that everyone’s comfy when they sit down to tuck into their turkey. But with so many options available, it can be hard to choose the right one for you – that’s why we’re here to help.
Mix or match
Buying a dining table and chairs as a matching set is often the more affordable option, as many retailers will offer a discount for a complete set as opposed to buying pieces individually. However, purchasing each item separately does offer slightly more flexibility, for instance if you want to mix and match styles, or if you prefer a combination of chairs with benches, or if you need to add any extra seating at a later date.
Size and shape
The dimensions and layout of your room will dictate the type of table you choose. If space is a little bit tight, round or oval shapes are a good choice as shaving off the corners provides space to squeeze in more seats and more room to manoeuvre. Alternatively, square tables are a compact option if you have a small kitchen-diner, while a six-seat rectangular design will suit an average-sized room and family.
Extend your set-up
If you want the flexibility of a large table for special occasions, without it taking up valuable space the rest of the time, then your best bet is to go for an extending model. Designs vary from butterfly or flip-top mechanisms with the extension incorporated into the table, to leaf extensions, which are stowed under the table or separately elsewhere.