Unexpected Dinner Guests

The question of how to accommodate unexpected guests is one that all too often can occur to us only when we learn of a visit. But with a few key items that tuck out of the way for the rest of the time, you can look forward to receiving visitors as and when they descend.

A table to sit around makes any impromptu dining easier. The Tom Table by Bontempi Casa fits neatly into daily use and comes in a choice of extendable sizes with the smallest 4-seater extending to seat 8, and the largest, a 6-seater, accommodating up to 12.

Pictured above: Convivium Extending Console Table by Cattelan Italia, and Renaissance Gold tableware by Wedgwood.

If there isn’t need of a dining table in your normal routine, consider an extending console table – a stylish occasional piece that can quickly become a generous base for food and conversation. The Convivium by Cattelan Italia can seat up to 8 or 12 guests – yet nobody would know it on first glance.

Storage space may denote whether to stack or fold spare chairs. Bontempi Casa’s Malik is a contemporary covered dining chair that stacks away between use, while the Skip from Calligaris folds quickly and can be hung on hooks for easy organising.

An elegant dining set such as Renaissance Gold from Wedgwood will always make a table look ready - and for table coverings opt for classic linens like the artisan-woven Honore from Truffle; they’ll never go out of style.

Now all that’s left is to relax, and enjoy spending time in good company.