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go easy on the flowers
Cluster small blooms in a tiny vase for each place setting. For a splashy look, fill lofty, narrow vessels with towering stalks or leafy branches that spread upward.
![Blue Outdoor](https://www.domino.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/19/51f745919ac35f9c3bc4472e-h1000_uepwnp.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
lose the wine bottles
To avoid crowding the table with umpteen bottles of wine, use carafes that hold two or more bottles at a go.
![Brown Bar](https://www.domino.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/19/51f77ab39ac35fe56bcf608f-h1000_fk2sc2.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
utilize the whole room
After serving the main course, place the platters, on a nearby console, for easy second helpings.
![](https://www.domino.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/10/51f77e5e9ac35fe56bcf6545-h1000_ztnlux.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
keep things within reach
Position two large water pitchers near the table’s center, and install a sort of diminutive salt and pepper shakers set-up at each end.
![Purple and Red and Yellow Dining room](https://www.domino.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/26/541751c34b6b03eb553644dc-h1000_rmdlce.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
skip placemats and use a tablecloth
Placemats clearly define a dining space, so it makes it harder to “fake it” and squeeze in a few extra settings at your table.
![Taupe Dining room](https://www.domino.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/19/51f698ef9ac35f9c3bc41f12-h1000_luk13h.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
go for a non-traditional place setting
Skip the broad traditional setting with silverware to the right and left of your plate. It looks fun and unique and saves you much needed real estate.
![White Kitchen](https://www.domino.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/19/541251f2e40e13ec555b434b-h1000_cstggq.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
no family-style service
Skip the platters and compose each diner’s plate in the kitchen just like it is done in a restaurant. Or use a console or extra table to set up a buffet.
![](https://www.domino.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/19/51f77cb79ac35fe56bcf6305-h1000_g0hozz.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
ride the bench
If big, bulky chairs are occupying more than their fair share of space in your dining room, consider using a bench along one side of the table to accommodate one or two additional guests.
![Brown Living room](https://www.domino.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/19/51f713669ac35f9c3bc43cd2-h1000_umouwt.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
establish a kids’ table
It’s been done before, and usually youngsters prefer to be on their own anyway. For the holidays, if your guest list overwhelms your dining room’s capacity, consider creating a satellite table for the kids.