Join the Top Table to Dine with Style

Yorkshire Post - 7th November 2007 - Life & Style Section: Homes

Interiors

"With the festive season upon us, stylish yet intimate dining will be important for those special parties", says interior designer, Jamie Hempsall

The separate Dining Room is approaching its busiest time of the year with friends and relations crammed around a bursting table as they enjoy the party season.

The joy of having a special room for entertaining is that it allows you to create an environment that is spectacular, as they are most often used in the evening. Rich colours and finishes that might otherwise look “over the top” can work wonderfully in this environment. Look at heavier fabrics that work well with light (reflective taffetas or interesting large prints) and consider teaming with indulgent wall colours (such as deep reds or vivid blues). Wallpaper comes into its element here by offering strong colours combined with reflective gold and silver.

Ensure furniture is proportional to the room. You need space for people to sit comfortably around the table and draw back their chairs for conversation. Do not choose furniture that occupies too much space – people want to feel relaxed, not over crowded. You also need practical room to work in, so ensure you can easily walk around the perimeter of the room once everyone is seated.

Ignore how many you need to seat for Christmas when buying a table it is the one time of the year everyone is prepared to cram together and sit on garden chairs if necessary. A tip to provide a temporary large table: have your hardware merchant cut a piece of hardboard to the dimensions you require, you can then just dress it with a table cloth – it costs a few pounds and no one will notice! Ensure that there is enough support though and enforce the “no elbows” rule to avoid disasters!

Chairs should be chosen for practicality as well as glamour. The route to successful dining is the ability to take your time, so guests need to feel comfortable – and not everyone has great “personal” padding! Try them out and do not shop when you are tired as everything will feel good.

If you are buying second hand furniture, do not get too hung up on matching everything as an eclectic mix of chairs and upholstery will normally work extremely well, provided you are happy with a less formal environment.

Lighting is vital. Use wall lights, down & up lighters and table lamps to create your ambience and team with a grand centre piece, such as a classic chandelier or a dramatic modern fitting. A large number of lights that can be worked independently will allow maximum flexibility (ensure your centre piece has a dimmer to allow you to control the mood).

There is nothing more romantic, or flattering, than candlelight, so invest in some interesting candlesticks choose your size carefully to avoid blocking the view of other diners. Small tea lights on the table work equally well in votives or cut glasses – do be mindful that they get hot.

Dining rooms are also an excellent place to display pictures, family photos and mirrors (the latter being particularly good at reflecting light) coupled with special decorative pieces. All of which adds an air of intimacy.

Finally, beware the allure of a real fire in older properties. They are romantic and set a tone, but installing a flame effect gas fire is more practical. You get the same illusion, but with considerably less hassle and, most importantly, without making the guests sitting directly in front of it wonder if they are actually being roasted for the main course!

Jamie Hempsall is one of the regions leading Interior Designers and a BIDA Associate. For more information visit his website www.jamiehempsall.com or call him on 01777 248463