Some people thought that I was crazy for buying a huge mango wood table when I first moved to New York City. I agree that it was a bit excessive – too big, too heavy and too expensive (especially for a recent college graduate) – but all I could think about was all the glorious dinner parties and multifunctional work space it could accommodate. So many of my favorite memories revolve around good food and good company and an open kitchen and a big table makes it all possible. My table from Crate & Barrel (pictured above) seats 8 or more comfortably. The key element is the bench, which allows people to spread out or squeeze in. To complete the set, I found low bar stools from Pottery Barn with the same color, grain and exposed knots.
Basque dining table (small) – Crate & Barrel
Basque bench (small) – Crate & Barrel
Tibetan bar stool – Pottery Barn (this isn’t the same bar stool I bought, but it’s in the same style)