When I entertain, it’s usually just 3 or 4 people – still too many for the tiny kitchen. People hang out around the table – just steps away from me, I don’t feel isolated at all. I put a mini bar in one of the book cases and often serve buffet sytle from the big built-in sideboard/china cabnite that anchors the dining room.

I personally like open-concepts, but with a twist: I like the kitchen to be big enough to house a larger table so that you can throw those large parties. I don’t like it when the living room is open to the kitchen/dining area. Why? The smells. I don’t want my couch and the air throughout my house to smell like baked chicken and stir-fry.

We have talked about knocking down the wall between the living room and dining room and making it one large room. The only problem is that there is a fireplace in that wall.

My husband and I are looking for our first house and although I do not rule out houses without a formal dining room I do high prefer them. I know for sure that once we have a family, and are looking at buying or building our second house- that a formal dining room will be an essential element.

I think you all covered the pros & cons of open dining vs. a separate formal space pretty well here. Whether its making a comeback or just never went away, its clear that dining rooms will be a well-loved staple in many homes. Even while some of us rebel and create wide open spaces. Once again we’ve learned it’s all about how each one of us lives and what works for you personally.

Thanks for all the thoughts, everyone. GPB, I also liked your suggestion about the voting button. I’ll get to work on that…although I still hope people will take the time to explain their vote. You all always have such good points to make I’d hate not to hear them fleshed out.

‘Til the next burning question,
John