Choosing the Perfect Dining Room Table

The Holidays are fast approaching – time for family gatherings, cocktail parties and neighborhood dinners. It’s this time of year that we forgo the breakfast bar and put our dining furniture to good use.

If you are in need of a new dining set, don’t fret. Visit your nearest Hennen’s showroom in St. Cloud, Willmar or Alexandria. With many styles in stock and convenient delivery, you can be ready for the Holidays in no time.

Choosing a dining table that works for your family and your space can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, you’ve got this. The friendly, professional design consultants at Hennen’s will help – but a little preparation never hurt anyone. Jot down your thoughts to these five questions and you’ll be ready for a great shopping trip.

1. How Many People Do You Want to Seat?

How many people will use the table on a daily basis and how many for special occasions? If your current space is smaller than you like, consider borrowing space from an adjoining room or swapping rooms for more possibilities. Many tables come with leaves or extensions that will help you transform your entertaining power from modest to mega.

2. How Often Will You Use Your Dining Table?

Will you use your table daily, once per week, or only on special occasions? Knowing this will help your design consultant assist you in choosing the right materials. If your dining table is also Homework Central, then a stain-resistant veneer top may be a good choice.

3. What Shape Table Will Fit in Your Space?

It’s time to think outside the box. Dining tables can be rectangular, round, square, hexagon and many come in counter height pub styles. Bring a photo of your space and room dimensions along to help sort out your options. If your dining space is situated near a window, consider maximizing the view outside.

4. What Style of Table Do You Like?

To articulate your design style, bring photos from your Pinterest board or your favorite magazines. Taking photos of other rooms in your home will also help your design consultant help you choose a table that’s perfectly you.

5. What Colors Are You Drawn To?

Along with style, consider color. Do you want your table to match the other wood in your home? Or do you want to make a statement with an accent color? In addition to stained options, consider partially painted or fully painted pieces for a pop of color.

To browse Hennen’s large selection of dining sets, follow this link: http://www.hennenfurniture.com/BrowseDiningRoom.aspx?LinkID=432

Happy Shopping!

Casual Outdoor Dining or Relaxing Retreat?

With so many styles and brands to choose from, buying outdoor patio furniture can be a difficult decision for many homeowners. There are several things to consider even after you take into account the amount of available space on your patio or deck.

To help you choose and to whittle down your choices, you should first decide how you plan to use your outdoor living space. Do you see your outdoor space as a quiet retreat to relax and unwind, or do you envision an outdoor gathering area to entertain family and friends? Or perhaps a combination of the two?

A quiet getaway

To create a quiet retreat, choose couches and chairs with soft cushions that are easy to get comfortable and stay comfortable in. Since these cushions will primarily stay outside, be sure to choose durable fabrics that are easy to clean and can stand up to the elements. Outdoor cushions should hold their colors without fading in the sun and dry quickly when they get wet.

Soft outdoor armchairs, sofas and love seats, rockers, footstools, and chaise lounges are all good options to create a relaxing atmosphere. Decorative throw pillows in coordinating colors and homey accents will help to pull the look together.

Entertaining al fresco  

For entertaining and casual outdoor dining, look for tables with ample space to lay plates, glasses and serving dishes. Dining chairs should be straight-backed or at least offer firm support so guests will be comfortable eating and drinking while seated. Low coffee table seating is better for serving drinks and casual snacks compared to full-course dining.  

Traditional dining tables or tall, café-style tables and stools are both good choices and can be found in styles ranging from contemporary casual to chic and sophisticated. To help serve or stow glassware when not in use, choose an outdoor drink cart or serving tables with built in cabinets.

Many homeowners will choose to create an outdoor living space that is a combination of a quiet retreat and casual dining area. If space allows, create distinct areas for outdoor dining as well as more casual seating where your guests can relax and unwind.

Shade is important regardless of how you intend to use your space. Consider adding an umbrella if shade from backyard trees is insufficient. There are many different types of umbrellas to choose from that will fit any outdoor space and decor. For example, a cantilever style umbrella is a stand-alone umbrella that can swing into place whenever you need shade.

To keep your outdoor furniture looking its best, keep it covered when not in use or store inside away from the elements. When cleaning, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions as some outdoor furniture will require special care.

Outdoor living at its best

Whether you are looking to create a relaxing outdoor retreat or a casual dining experience for your friends and family, Hennen Furniture has the style and comfort you are looking for.

Come browse our huge collection of patio sets and accessories at our patio store. At Hennen’s, we offer all the best patio brands and outdoor living furniture including Seaside Casual, Tropitone, Homecrest, Breezesta, and Woodard. Our sales associates can help you create the outdoor living space of your dreams. Come see us at Hennen Furniture today!