The right table and chairs make any meal better

Handmadebamboo &glass tablefor eight,from Víctorde RuedaCollection inthe Marina. Liven up your dining area and meals with this triangular table fromSegusino in the Golden Zone This round table has a circular indent in the center, from Cuarto Estilo in Centro.

Sooner or later, despite how inexpensive it is to eat out in Mazatlán, you’ll long for home cooking. What to do? Well, the cooking part is beyond the scope of this article, but … I can give you advice on choosing a really great dining room set. That way, when the urge to play Rachael Ray or Betty Crocker hits, you’re ready with a comfortable and functional space, fit for your culinary creations and social get-togethers.

Bigger is better!

Aim for a table at least 48 x 48 inches. Standard height is 30 inches, but the trend of higher pub tables is making its way to Mazatlán. These taller tables look especially great in areas where the dining rooms and family room are one big, open area that runs together. The difference in the height of the table and your sofa create the feel of two separate spaces.

Sitting Pretty

Get over the idea that all your chairs must match. I seriously doubt Martha Stewart (the Queen of Over-Coordinitus) is coming to dinner. It’s perfectly acceptable to mix and match, or pull up a chair from your desk, dressing area or even outside. The most important thing is comfort. After all, it’s no fun sitting down to a gourmet dinner and having half your hiney hanging over the sides of the chair. With chairs, look for minimum width of 20 inches, a depth of 20 inches and seat height of 18 inches. Allow 12 inches between the seat and table top. You also need 24 inches between the wall and the table; 36 is better.

Beware of chairs with arms; make sure they’re wide enough. I once rented a place that whenever I stood up after sitting in the armchair, the entire thing was attached to my behind. And hey, that was at least 15 pounds ago; I can’t imagine what it would do now. I might have to call 611.

Shape Up

The classic round and oval have been popular throughout the years for good reason: Mainly because you can, when necessary, squeeze in a few more friends. If trendy and different is more your style, check out a triangle table for six. It makes a dull space jump alive with style.

Have more room and tons of friends? Mazatlán offers a wide selection of oversized square tables for eight. And remember, a pedestal table is more flexible.

Materials Matter

Look for tables made of kiln-dried wood, metal or glass. Yes, the particle board may look stylish and is certainly cheap, but will it withstand the stresses of daily use and high humidity? We both know the answer is a resounding “no.”

Picky Pointers

• Can chairs be easily moved? Some are so heavy you need a Sumo wrestler!
• Remember Mom telling you to “sit up straight?” How straight is straight enough? Some chairs feel like there’s a board strapped to your back – not what you want.
• I love the look of a glass top and it certainly opens up a room, but I’m not sure I want to form that strong of a bond with paper towels and Windex trying to keep it clean.

Finishing Touches

Your dining room is more than a place to put people while they feed their faces. It’s the perfect place to show your style and creativity with placemats, tablecloths, dishes and flatware. But, remember the key to successful cooking, eating and entertaining is not the table, chairs and accessories or even the food your serve. Nope, the most important ingredient by far is the people you share your meal with. (And maybe a good bottle of wine!)

Kathy Stephens is a professional shopper and interior designer and gets paid to spend other people’s money on pretty things. Contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .