As the cold evenings set in, it’s time to make the most of your dining space.
Whether it’s a large table set for eight, a cosy spot for three or a casual meal on the couch, your dining space can feel warm and inviting by pairing tones and textures that will add character and create the perfect atmosphere to gather with friends and family.
The foundations
The first step in carving out a dining space you love is to assess your current set-up and see if there’s any changes you want to make to the foundational pieces like your dining table and chairs.
If you often entertain, investing in a larger table like the Ella Dining Table (which can extend to 225cm) or the Karla Dining Table, which is available in two convenient sizes and colours could be well worth it. You can also go bold with a statement piece like the popular rectangular Jack Dining Table.
Once you’re happy with the table, it's time to focus on dining chairs – and that’s where the fun begins! From soft leather to fabric, wooden or plastic, the choice is yours - whether your taste is bold and eclectic, muted and neutral or anything in-between there’s a chair to suit.
Consider who’s going to be using the space. For those with pets or kids there are plastic dining chairs that are practical yet stylish and provide a durable and easy clean option. For those who want comfort first, the Sala Dining Chair offers a curved bucket seat.
If you don’t have the space but want to be prepared for those last-minute guests, adding a bench to your dining table could be the best of both worlds. Benches are great as you can layer them up with seat cushions and throws for a casual, cosy winter dinner party, and move it to another part of the house when it's not in use.
You could also add a rug to sit under your dining table to add a little texture and some visual interest. The Axel Round Wool Rug was designed for dining spaces and looks great tucked under a round dining table. For something larger, consider the Kirana Jute Rug with its warming natural tones.
Serving up colour
While we aren’t firing up the BBQ and gathering on the deck, there’s still an opportunity for dining indoors to be a fun social occasion during winter. A well-structured table can set the scene for your winter gatherings and wow your guests before the meal is even served.
Add a splash of colour to the table by layering bold placemats and give your salads and sides a facelift by serving them up in statement serving bowls.
If simplistic and modern is more your style, you can make the table visually interesting yet keep it low-key by arranging a mix of plates and platters, like the Leaf Platters with their curved details, and layer in different heights like the Akira Footed Bowls and Carve Stemmed Plate.
The best part? These pieces are designed for everyday use, so you don’t have to wait for an occasion to get out the nice serveware, every meal can be a special one! Once you're done, stack them in the dishwasher for an easy clean up.
The finishing touches
With the foundations set and the table laid, it’s time to bring in the finer details that pull the whole space together. Serving drinks in classic glassware like the Angelo or Florette range is an elegant touch, and composed of clear soda class, they pair perfectly with other serveware like our Fenix or Carve ranges.
You could also add patterned paper napkins to each place setting or lay some fragrant candles across the table. These small touches can make all the difference to the ambience of your space.
Dried or faux stems are also an excellent source of texture, that can be placed in vessels or vases on the table.
No matter the size or requirements of your dining space, we love bringing you clever, practical, and stylish items to make every dining experience special all the way from breakfast to dessert.
With the table set, here is the perfect recipe by The Culinary Letter to serve up and keep warm this winter, it’s bound to wow your guests!
Brown butter veggie linguine with chestnut sage pangrattato
Serves 4
- Preheat your oven to 200°C.
- Toss the pumpkin and onion with a drizzle of oil, salt and pepper in a deep bowl. Place on a baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Repeat with the mushrooms.
- Cook the linguine according to the pack instructions and reserve ⅓ cup of pasta water.
- To make the Chestnut Sage Pangrattato: Fry the sage and garlic in a generous drizzle of oil until crispy and golden. Remove the sage and garlic from the pan and place on a paper towel, leaving the oil behind.
- Using the same pan, toast the panko until golden brown. Add chestnuts and chives and mix to combine.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook for 5-8 minutes or until the butter has foamed and turned golden brown. Add the reserved pasta water and whisk to combine. Toss through the pasta. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Divide the pasta onto dinner plates and top with roast veggies.
- Sprinkle over chestnut sage pangrattato, fried sage and garlic.
- Serve and enjoy!
