Dining Room Tour

Home Bound Series – My Dining Room

Celebratory. That’s the word that comes to mind when I think of a dining room. It is a room that offers a feeling of invitation, to come and enjoy the feast and merriment that is taking place within.

I have always felt that a dining room is an important room in the home. Because it’s a place where many of our life’s fondest memories are created. It’s where we gather with family and friends in an intimate setting to celebrate life. Where we eat wonderful food, drink good wine and partake in interesting and stimulating conversation usually mixed with a bit of laughter.

When we think of our dining room, we usually think of it as a special occasion room but that is not at all what it should be. Especially in today’s environment, it should be an everyday room. And when Danny and I renovated our home we wanted a formal dining room, but to ensure it would be a part of our daily space, we opened it to our den and kitchen. I have large pocket doors between the two rooms just in case I wanted to make it more private, but we never use them!

With the dining table being large, I wanted to create an intimate space for the two of us. So at one end of the table I always lay place-mats and cloth napkins and most the time have a lit candle. It’s amazing how the simple act of lighting a candle creates such a nice mood. For us, it’s the only time in our day that we can stop and actually carry on a conversation without all the distractions. I look forward to this special time with Danny.

The large opening into the Grand Hall makes it easy to set an additional table when entertaining and still feel a part of the party.  A pair of French doors were also added opening graciously to the patio beyond. This allows for the ability to set a bar or add another dining table where everyone feels like they are in the same room. With this arrangement, I can seat 28 all in same space.

We have had so many fun times already in our dining room celebrating the holidays with our family. Engagement parties, baby showers, wedding celebrations, our own home’s bicentennial birthday and just recently my mother’s 90th birthday celebration. And through all these great events the dining room was the center of our celebration and for so many memories.

As I continue to write this series on Home Bound, I cannot help but reflect that my mother’s sweet party was the last time I have been with my family and friends. Yes, a dining room is important. Over the years I have been told by clients that they never use their dining room. And I always think how they must be missing out.

If you don’t use your dining room often I would encourage you to try!  It doesn’t need to require any fuss and the meal can be simple. Take this opportunity to connect at meal time in a special space without distractions.

-Beverly Farrington