'Diagonal dining' is the one-minute table trick experts say can help seat more people for Christmas lunch

Is there anything more stressful than trying to fit the entire extended family around the dining table at Christmas? For many of us, the turkey dinner is the highlight of the day, but the moment can be overshadowed by the chaos of a bustling dining table, crowded by a mess of mismatched chairs from around the rest of the home. If you have an especially small dining room you'll be grateful for any space-saving solutions to accommodate guests, and that's why I'd suggest giving 'diagonal dining' a try. 

Some would say the novelty of a busy table is all part of the spirit of Christmas, but there's no denying the inconvenience involved (especially when your favorite vanity chair becomes stained with gravy). Squeezing behind chairs to maneuver around the table just isn't practical, and becomes even harder as those jeans become just a little tighter throughout the course of the meal. That's why this clever yet simple space-saving trick is exactly what you need to make Christmas dinner more comfortable. 

You'll be pleased to hear that diagonal dining really isn't too technical. As the name suggests, it essentially involves angling your long dining table - be it rounded or square - so it lies on the diagonal of your room, stretching corner-to-corner rather than wall-to-wall. The benefit is that you're then left with more space around the long sides of your table for extra chairs, and to walk around the edge of the room. Here's why I think it's the best furniture hack I've come across for anyone will a small dining room.

What is diagonal dining? 

(Image credit: Stacy Zarin Goldberg)

A simple yet effective trick, diagonal dining merely involves putting your dining table on a diagonal angle in your dining room to create more space around the table. ’Rearranging furniture and placing it at the perimeter of the room will open up a central space where the dining table and chairs can go,' explains Jen Nash, a design expert at kitchen brand Magnet. 'You may want to consider diagonal dining - positioning your table at an angle to run diagonally across the room. This clever trick maximizes floor space and allows for more seating.'

Think about it: when the narrower edges of your table are in opposing corners of your room, there's far more floorspace around the longer edges for your guests to fit, and it also makes it far easier to clear plates and serve dessert. You might even be able to angle your table so that the entrance to the room is more easily accessible. It's an unconventional set-up for everyday use, but who knows, you might be so impressed that you don't even revert back to your original layout!

How else can I make a small dining room work better over Christmas?

1. Keep table decor to a minimum 

(Image credit: Emma Tannenbaum)

Although designing your Christmas table decor can be fun, if you're strapped for space it's a good idea to use table decoration sparingly. Rather than an elaborate tablescape, go for a more minimalist theme. 

'If you are opting for a more formal dining style, minimal table decor will be the most effective when space is tight,' says Jen. 'Table decor such as large centerpieces and foliage displays will overwhelm the table and interfere with the practicalities of eating. Instead, experiment with a more laid-back look with decor such as a collection of candles at varying heights. They take up little space and will still create an ambient dining experience.' 

2. Serve plates in the kitchen

(Image credit: Roberto Garcia)

Rule number one of formal dining: no leaning. Even if it's an intimate family affair, you don't want the people next to you leaning over your plate to reach the brussels sprouts, nor do you want to spend the entirety of the meal passing around dishes of food. 

To overcome this, serve your guests' plates in the kitchen, or set up a buffet-style spread on your kitchen countertops if you have a few fussy eaters among you. It might take away the opportunity for an Instagram-worthy photo, but it will maximize space for plates and glasses so that your guests can eat more comfortably. 

3. Steer clear of tall centerpieces

Tall candelabras and table centerpieces might make an elegant design statement, but they're not the most practical choice for a Christmas dinner. 'For those with limited space, place several tea lights or small vases filled with foliage along the center of the table,' advises Sam Hood, co-founder and chief creative officer of interior store AMARA. 'This will create an ambient space that doesn’t impact conversation.' 

If you still want a little something extra without cluttering your tabletop, why not consider an overhead branch chandelier using seasonal green foliage or creating a hanging ‘cloud’ using pampas grass? It will make a showstopping statement for your guests to admire while maximizing space at the table - win-win!