How to host a dinner party without a dining table

We've all been there, you've got 12 friends coming round for a dinner party but you've only got a dining table meant for four. But, fear not, with these ingenious ideas you won't need a dining table

Amy Hodge
By Amy Hodge
last updated

It won't be long before party season is upon us and we spend December catching up with friends and family. There's quite often one common problem we all have, how to host dinner for a big group of friends when you can barely squeeze four people around your table. With these fab ideas you can be the hostess with the mostest.

Party food

party food looks tasty

(Image credit: TBC)

If you've got a house or flat full of people think carefully about what food you're going to serve. Make it easy for yourself! Opt for party food rather than a sit down meal so it's easy for people to stand and eat if you don't have lots of seating space.

Serve on a coffee table

living room with sweet served on coffee table

(Image credit: TBC)

Utilise your coffee table and use to serve food and drinks. Serve nibbles in pretty bowls and light a few candles to create a welcoming vibe. Don't forget to protect your table with coasters or cover with a tablecloth to prevent it from getting marked.

Make it comfy

multi coloured cushions for floor seating

(Image credit: TBC)

Create a Moroccan vibe with pouffes and floor cushions for a relaxed party feel. Dot them around a coffee table and not only will you have extra seating but a social space for people to gather as well.

Portable drinks station

old trolley for a portable drinks station

(Image credit: TBC)

Upcycle an old trolley for a portable drinks station. Store glasses, your favourite tipple and dust off your cocktail shaker so it has pride of place on this funky bar.

Mix & match chairs

home for your party to create extra seating

(Image credit: TBC)

Embrace all the weird and wonderful chairs you have in your home for your party to create extra seating (or even ask guests to bring a few extra chairs to help out). Dot around the space so guests have space to sit down and enjoy their food.

Amy Hodge
Amy Hodge
Contributor

Amy Hodge has been working on interiors magazines for over 11 years. She's a freelance writer and sub editor who has worked for some of the UK's leading interiors magazines including Ideal Home, Style at Home and Country Homes & Interiors. She started at Style at Home just after it launched as food editor and is now chief sub editor for Ideal Home, Style at Home and Country Homes & Interiors.

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