Intimate dinner parties. Leisurely weekend brunches. Long evenings with a glass (or two) of wine. More than just a place to eat, the dining room is a space to gather, connect and entertain. It’s where stories are shared and memories are made. From choosing the table itself to creating the perfect ambiance with mood lighting, a well-designed dining space sets the tone for effortless entertaining – and these are our top tips to help you achieve just that.
CHOOSE THE PERFECT DINING TABLE
From round pedestals to handy extendable styles, the right dining table lends your home a certain air of sophistication. While function is paramount, there’s no reason why it should skimp on style – and Coco Republic’s expansive collection certainly brings something to the table.
A round table is ideal for intimate gatherings, especially if your dining space is on the smaller side. The Sir William Round Dining Table, featuring a honed Carrara white marble top juxtaposed with a brushed brass base, is a true statement piece. Prefer to keep it casual? Crafted with a striking herringbone oak parquetry, the Oslo Round Dining Table is versatile enough to work with almost any decor.
Rectangle designs and extension tables lend themselves to grand dinners or soirées with a never-ending guest list. Take this Scandi-inspired style, the Carmel Extension Dining Table, which puts an updated spin on a classic wooden design, or the Montpellier Extension Dining Table, a traditional piece defined by its parquetry top. With their extendable designs, both tables can be adjusted to accommodate more guests and retracted to their original form for day-to-day ease.
SET THE MOOD WITH ARTFUL LIGHTING
Artful lighting will help to evoke just the right mood for entertaining. Layering is key: in addition to overheads, table lamps and accent lighting help to create a warm, inviting feel.
Not sure where to start? A pendant is a great way to center the dining table and provide a focal point. But finding the right height is crucial – too low, and it obstructs conversation; too high, and it can feel off-kilter. If you’re after old-school glamor, opt for the Felix Pendant, or style the Eddie Glass Pendant as a trio for a distinctly contemporary look.
Wall sconces will infuse your space with warmth, no matter the season. With brushed brass and alabaster finishes, the Textura Wall Sconce or Cleo Alabaster Wall Sconce are classic yet impactful. Looking for easy ways to alter the mood depending on the occasion? Fit dimmers to your lighting – it’s a simple way to transform a formal dinner into a relaxed, late-night gathering.
THE ART OF TABLE STYLING
Gather your finest china, silverware, and linens and get ready to set the table. After all, no space is truly ready for entertaining without a beautifully styled tablescape. Start with a soft, neutral palette and tactile materials: a luxurious linen tablecloth, classic ceramics and delicate glassware.
Once the foundations are laid, it’s time for styling. If you’re incorporating natural elements, consider the season. Flowers and foliage – such as poppies, ceanothus, and manzanita branches – add a Californian touch to a spring table setting. Arrange them as part of the table runner or tuck individual sprigs into napkins for a simple yet elegant place setting.
Candles are an easy shortcut if you’re wanting to create a more intimate, cozy atmosphere – group them in twos or threes to create visual interest. And don’t forget the bar cabinet! Whether you choose a Scandi-inspired piece, like our Monopole Bar Cabinet, or something a little more glamorous, such as the Shimmer Bar Cabinet, it’s a sophisticated addition to any entertaining space, keeping the conversation flowing without the need for constant trips to the kitchen.
Hosting this autumn? Bring your perfect entertaining space to life with Coco Republic’s latest dining collection.
