Every year, we host Thanksgiving and I love to set a formal table for sit-down meals. We frequently have a few extra guests than our dining room table accommodates so we usually grab a few folding tables to fit the extras. It bothers me that the tables sit at different heights and widths, the extra table legs get in the way, the tables feel weak and never quite look right. Through the years, I've worked with the challenges but have not loved result.
Last year we were hosting fourteen adult guests, which is two more than my table accommodates. Since one of our folding tables needed to be replaced, we searched online for new ones. We could not find anything close to what we were looking for, so we searched for alternatives but came up short.
Talking through our needs and wants, we came up with a weekend project that helped us scrap the folding tables yet enabled us to comfortably seat more than twelve guests.
Have a question about this project?
Could you take a pic of the finished project from more distance - - without drop cloth? Would love to see entire thing - thanks
Hi, next time we have the tabletop set on top of the table I will do that and update the post. It will probably get updated right after Christmas. Thanks!
Great idea for family gatherings, isn’t it! My need & avail space is different, so I chose a 4x8 piece of rigid foam insulation. It is VERY light, & I can handle it alone.
That is a great idea and you don't have to worry about putting a hot dish directly on your table without an insulating pad or pot holder.
I realize I'm late getting to see this but I have a glass top table which only seats 6; is there something that can be created to increase it's size as well without it being so heavy the glass may be compromised? TIA
That's what I have a glass topped table. Here is what I do: Move the table out a few inches from its normal spot so there is ample movement all the way around and guests can pass easily. On top of the glass I purchased the non slip shelf liner to cover the glass. Then I had a piece of plywood cut to the size I needed. (My table is round.) When I brought it home, I sanded the edges well and applied a couple coats of marine varnish over the entire piece. Easier to dust off and keep clean. Then just placed on top of the table with the non slip shelf liners. If possible, grab some help to set it on top as adjusting alone is a bit tricky, but can be done. Toss on a tablecloth and decorate as desired. Store in my garage and pull out as needed for larger events. However when I was young and single living in an apartment, I stored in the back of my closet or under the bed. Hope this provides an alternative and maybe something you might consider.