The holidays are here once again. Are you ready? No matter what type of holiday celebration you are planning – indoors or out, with just a few family members or perhaps a friendsgiving – chances are you will need to multiply dining space for holiday guests beyond what you use on a normal, everyday basis. Here are a few simple guest seating arrangement furnishing ideas to do just that during your next holiday dinner party.

 

Add a Bench

 

 

What shape is your dining room set? If it is rectangular and regularly seats 6 or more, you can easily expand the number of diners who sit at the table simply by replacing two or more chairs with one dining bench. A bench easily seats three people or even four, if you have kids enjoying the holiday meal with adults. For additional guest seating arrangement ideas, a dining bench is also space saving when not in use as it easily tucks up underneath the table. Don’t worry about the bench seating matching the rest of your set at holiday dinner parties; an eclectic look is perfectly fine and it can even be disguised with a long cushion.

 

Use Counter Seating

 

 

Many people tend to overlook a natural extension of their dining area – the kitchen counter or island. As long as it close to your dining table, stool seating at a counter works exceptionally well when you need room for additional diners. You may want to add counter height bar stools if you only have a couple; once again there is no need to match them to the pieces you already own. Feel free to mix and match your guest seating arrangement ideas. As long as the style is similar, you will still have a cohesive design.

 

Add a Bar

 

 

Here’s another way to multiply dining space and seating arrangement ideas for holiday dinner party guests – add a cocktail bar. Just like kitchen counter seating, a home cocktail bar is an ideal way to add a place for barstools to accommodate additional guests. Plus, you will use a bar year-round and chances are it can even be moved closer or located in your dedicated dining area. This is the place guests will gather before and after the meal and a bar with shelving and drawers will also hold extra china, glasses, silverware and linens.

 

Gather Outdoors

 

 

Many of us have both an indoor and outdoor dining set. This year, we are sure to gather outdoors more, especially if the weather is good. Start with your outdoor dining table and chairs and add onto it with a folding table and chairs or, as mentioned earlier, a set of benches. You could also create separate dining areas with a collection of outdoor (or repurposed indoors) tables and chairs. If you have a cocktail bar, try moving it outside for another way to multiply dining space for holiday guests.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s will follow close behind. Don’t be caught unawares. Plan now to multiply dining space for holiday guests so everyone is comfortable and safe while joining you for a holiday meal to remember.