Spending time with family is one of the main reasons that most of us look forward to Christmas. However, while your breakfast bars or laminate kitchen worktops might be more than enough to accommodate you usually, if you’ve got a small kitchen and a lot of family coming round, it can pose an interesting challenge to try and seat everyone for Christmas dinner. Obviously there are no magic solutions, but the good news is that there are a couple of handy ways you can use to make it all a bit easier for yourself. Here are five of the most useful!

If you’re expecting a crowd this Christmas, you might want to consider upgrading to a larger table. A rectangular or extendable table can give you the extra space you need to comfortably seat everyone. When you’re short on seating, it’s time to break out the emergency chains. If you’re already thinking about how you’re going to seat all your guests, don’t forget the magic of folding chairs – they’re easy to stash away when not in use but perfect for pulling out when you need that extra spot or two.
For children, setting up a separate kids table can free up space for the adults and keep the festive fun flowing. Another great idea is swapping some chairs for a bench along one side of the table. This creates a bit more room and creates a more relaxed vibe – there’s a reason this is the favourite trick of many restaurants. Or, if you want to get really creative, you could go out and find a foldaway circular table where everyone can sit together in the round and chat easily without anyone feeling left out!

Sometimes, the simplest fixes are the best! If you’ve got a long table in a long room, try turning it on the diagonal. It’ll give you more space at the ends and sides, and you’ll be able to squeeze in a few more people. Sometimes, that’s all you need, and for one day, it can be the perfect solution without causing too much hassle.
Still need more space? Try rearranging your living or dining room for the day. Move the sofas around if they’re in the way – just for Christmas Day, no one will mind! And if you have a breakfast bar or a kitchen island, put some of your guests there – bar stools work perfectly for extra seating. With just a few tweaks here and there, you’ll have enough room for everyone to enjoy the meal without feeling squashed!

It might not sound ideal to have two Christmas dinners going down in different rooms, but it can save you a lot of stress. It’s way better than having half the family wait around hungry while the other half digs in. Plus, if you go with two sittings, you get to actually sit down with everyone else instead of being stuck in the kitchen serving up the same plates over and over. Not to mention, you won’t have to worry about food getting cold on the counter while you wait for the table to clear – everything stays hot and ready to go. Plus, it cuts down on the chaos, you’ll be less crowded, and the whole day will feel more relaxed.

We all love a good, hearty Christmas roast, but sometimes the traditional dinner just doesn’t work if you’ve got a crowd and not enough space. And guess what? Your guests will understand if you mix it up a little. Why not switch it up with a buffet-style Christmas feast instead? It’s super easy to make everyone happy, and it keeps things casual and fun. Instead of the roast, you could serve up pies, stews, and soups that guests can help themselves with.
Instead of the roast, you could serve up pies, stews, and soups that guests can help themselves to. Things like slow-cooked beef stew or a veggie pie can sit happily in slow cookers all day, staying warm and ready for anyone to grab a bowl whenever they fancy. Plus, no one has to wait for everyone to be served – they can just come up, fill their plate with whatever they’re in the mood for, and keep the festive vibe going.

And here’s the best part – you can serve all this deliciousness right from your laminate kitchen worktops! There’s no need to worry about finding extra tables or squeezing in more space – simply set up a festive spread right in the heart of your kitchen. Laminate worktops are not only practical but also perfect for the job. They’re incredibly durable, able to handle the hustle and bustle of a busy meal without a scratch, and super easy to wipe down if things get a little messy.
And if you’re thinking about replacing your laminate kitchen worktops anyway, we’ve got a huge range of them to choose from right here at Savoy Timber. You can find us in our local stores in Blackpool, Wigan, Bradford, or Preston, or just give us a call at 0345 0268 799. Don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’ve got you covered!