Preparing your home for Christmas with luxury dining tables

As the festive and party season approaches, our homes become the backdrop for magical gatherings and memorable dinners. Central to the celebration is the dining space – and, of course, the dining table. Choosing the right luxury dining table elevates holiday entertaining, blending style with practicality. In this guide, we focus exclusively on Liang & Eimil and Richmond Interiors – two designer brands loved by the team at Shropshire Design – to help you plan your dining space, select the ideal size and shape for the number of guests you'd like to host, and style it with seasonal warmth. Expect Christmas table inspiration, practical sizing tips, and a handy finishes guide for the perfect centrepiece. Let’s set the scene for a season of festive feasts and joyful gatherings.

At a glance: table sizes needed for 4, 6 and 8 guests

Getting the right capacity is the first step. Use these quick guides (approximate centimetres) for round, oval and rectangular tables:

• Round tables – 4 guests ≈ 120 cm diameter; 6 guests ≈ 150 cm; 8 guests ≈ 180 cm. A ~150 cm round typically seats six; 180 cm can host eight at a pinch.

• Oval tables – 4 guests ≈ 130–150 cm length; 6 guests ≈ 180 cm; 8 guests ≈ 210–230 cm. Ovals often seat slightly more than a round of similar length – e.g. 152 cm can seat 6–8; 183 cm can seat 8–10.

• Rectangular tables – 4 guests ≈ 120 cm length; 6 guests ≈ 150–180 cm; 8 guests ≈ 200–240 cm. As a rule of thumb, 160 cm seats six and 210 cm seats eight comfortably. Typical width is 90–100 cm, balancing place settings and serving dishes.

These are guidelines – base design and dining chair sizes also matter. Pedestal bases often give more knee room than four corner legs, sometimes enabling an extra place. If you need flexibility, extendable dining tables are ideal: a leaf can turn a 4–6 seater into an 8-seater for special occasions.

Dining table dimensions and guest comfort

Choosing the right table is about comfort as much as capacity:

• Allow around 61 cm per person for elbow room. Standard dining chairs are 45–50 cm wide, so this allocation adds breathing space. Use fewer chairs if they have large or have arms.

• Table height & legroom – Most tables are 75 cm high (give or take a few cm). Aim for about 30 cm between chair seat and tabletop for comfortable leg clearance. Trestle and pedestal designs – common in designer dining tables from Liang & Eimil – minimise clashes with chair legs. The Liang & Eimil Camden round (Ø 120 cm) seats 4–6 with a central brass pedestal that keeps the floor clear (a larger version is also available, seating 6-8 people).

• Room circulation space – Leave at least 91 cm around the table so chairs can slide out and guests can pass behind. If space is snug, a round or oval table improves flow (no corners) and a bench on one side can save precious centimetres.

• Extendable options – An extendable dining table is a holiday hero. Day-to-day, keep it compact; at Christmas, insert one or two leaves. Ensure you can extend fully in the room and have a safe place to store leaves.

A statement rectangular table can anchor your room for the holidays. The Liang & Eimil Corinthian Dining Table (200 × 100 cm) combines a fluted antique-brass base with a travertine-effect ceramic top – a sophisticated focal point that seats 6–8. Softly rounded corners improve comfort and movement.

Selecting the best table shape for your space

• Round – Intimate and inclusive, perfect for smaller groups. Great in square rooms and for cosy Christmas Eve suppers. Removing corners saves space; pair with armless chairs or a banquette to maximise seating. Very large rounds (around 150 cm) can be hard to reach across and visually dominate, so they’re best for up to six people.

• Rectangular – The classic for longer rooms and larger groups. A standard 6-seater width of 90–107 cm balances place settings with a serving strip. In long, narrow spaces, a rectangle (or boat-shape) mirrors the architecture and “grounds” the room. Dress with a runner, candlesticks and a bowl of ornaments when not hosting. For 10-seaters, check for double pedestals or a centre leg for stability.

• Oval – The sweet spot between capacity and flow. Elongated like a rectangle but softened at the ends, ovals seat generously without sharp corners. Ideal for long rooms where you still want an inviting, less formal look. The Richmond Interiors Tivoli oval (230 × 110 cm) seats 6–8 comfortably and keeps conversations connected along the curve.

Proportion tip: mirror the room’s shape. Long room → rectangular or oval; square room → round or square. Centre the table under a pendant to balance space on all sides and create pleasing symmetry for your festive décor.

Real examples: designer tables ready for Christmas

• Liang & Eimil “Camden” round marble (seats 4–6) – Ø 120 cm. Creamy white marble top on a warm brushed-brass pedestal. Subtle Art Deco cues; intimate and elegant for smaller gatherings. Marble veining makes each table unique; the brass brings golden glamour that pairs beautifully with festive accents. Style tip: greenery garlands and gold-rimmed plates pop against cool marble.

• Richmond Interiors “Tivoli” oval (seats 6–8) – 230 × 110 cm. Glossy white ceramic top on a textured cylindrical base with stabilising metal disc. The look of marble with wipe-clean practicality – perfect if mulled wine makes an appearance. Understated modern glamour that won’t overwhelm your scheme. Great for buffet-style serving down the centreline.

• Liang & Eimil “Corinthian” rectangular (seats 6–8) – 200 × 100 cm. Architectural fluted base in antique brass with a travertine-effect ceramic top. A statement piece that blends modern and classic. Ceramic handles heat and spills with ease; rounded corners are kinder in busy rooms. Pair with velvet chairs in forest green or burgundy for a sumptuous seasonal look.

• Richmond Interiors “Nando” rectangular (seats 6–8) – 230 × 100 cm. Travertine-effect ceramic top with angled oak-veneer legs (including recycled-wood elements). Clean-lined yet warm – ideal if you love a contemporary-meets-organic vibe. Strong enough for a big holiday spread; style with eucalyptus garlands, pine cones and linen napkins. Ceramic shrugs off red-wine or gravy mishaps.

When choosing, consider how you entertain: big dinner parties or intimate family meals? Ultra-modern or classic-and-cosy? Between Liang & Eimil and Richmond Interiors, there’s a piece to match your aesthetic – from marble-topped glamour to oak-accented warmth – and the build quality to last for many Christmases.

Styling and entertaining: creating a festive tablescape

• Choose a theme or palette – Traditional reds, greens and golds; or a winter-white scheme with silver accents. Let the table’s material lead: rich wood pairs beautifully with evergreen foliage and brass; glossy marble or ceramic loves crisp white linens, crystal glassware and metallic sparkle. Echo base metals (brass, gold) in candleholders or plate chargers for cohesion.

• Layer textures for warmth – Add a soft runner or placemats that flatter the finish. Velvet on marble feels luxurious and protective; natural textures (linen, burlap, chunky knits) soften stone or cement looks. Consider seat cushions or faux-fur throws for comfort and seasonal cosiness.

• Centrepieces and greenery – Scale to shape. Rectangles suit a garland down the middle with fairy lights, berries and baubles; round or oval tables shine with a wreath or a trio of pillar candles. Use eucalyptus, holly and spruce for scent and texture. Keep sightlines clear so conversation flows.

• Lighting and ambiance – Dim pendants to a warm glow; layer in candles for sparkle. Reflective finishes (high-gloss ceramic, polished marble) amplify candlelight. Protect surfaces under candles, especially on porous materials. Subtle background music encourages guests to linger.

• Practical entertaining – Plan spare settings and chairs for last-minute guests – extendable dining tables help, and a couple of smart folding chairs can be dressed with throws. Use place cards if you want to choreograph conversation. Keep a sideboard or bar cart ready for extra dishes so the table stays comfortable. Consider the flow of the evening – aperitifs, dinner, then dessert by the fire – for effortless hosting.

A guide to finishes: veneer, solid wood, marble, stone/cement

Veneer – A thin layer of real wood over a stable core (e.g. MDF/ply). Many Richmond Interiors pieces use high-quality veneer for beautiful, consistent grain, often laid in herringbone style.

• Pros: Striking patterns at a more accessible price; lighter weight; stable against humidity; efficient use of timber.

• Cons: Less robust than solid wood if abused; chips or bubbles are hard to repair; cannot usually be sanded/refinished; lower-grade veneers can look repetitive. Use mats and avoid heat to protect the surface.

Solid wood – Boards of hardwood (oak, walnut, etc.) prized for natural beauty and longevity. Both brands use solid timber in selected designs and components.

• Pros: Extremely durable; repairable and refinishable; unique grain and patina; timeless appeal; inherently sturdy; often responsibly sourced.

• Cons: Higher cost and weight; sensitive to humidity and heat; can stain if spills sit; needs routine care; natural knots and movement are part of the character.

Marble (natural stone) – Luxurious, unique veining and a cool, polished tactility (e.g. Liang & Eimil Camden).

• Pros: Unmatched elegance; heat-tolerant for typical serving; stable and weighty; elevates any scheme.

• Cons: Porous – can stain or etch with acids; susceptible to chips/scratches if mishandled; heavy; higher cost; benefits from sealing and pH-neutral care. Use coasters and placemats.

Stone / cement composites (incl. ceramic, engineered stone, concrete-look) – Seen across Richmond Interiors tables like Tivoli and Nando.

• Pros: Non-porous ceramics are highly resistant to stains, heat and scratches; easy to clean; convincingly mimic marble/concrete; often lighter than solid stone; excellent for busy households.

• Cons: Edges can chip under heavy impact; concrete finishes need maintained sealing; still weighty compared with wood; premium ceramics can rival natural stone on price; some prefer the “soul” of natural materials.

Preparing your home for Christmas entertaining is a balance of practicality and inspiration. It’s about choosing a dining table that serves your guests comfortably and enhances your décor with elegance. We’ve covered ideal sizing, layout tips for gracious flow, examples of gorgeous Liang & Eimil and Richmond Interiors tables, and simple ways to imbue your space with festive magic. As you deck the halls, give your dining table some love – it’s where the best holiday memories are made, from cracking Christmas crackers to toasting the New Year. Here’s to stylish, stress-free hosting around a table that truly brings joy to your world. Happy Christmas – and happy dining.