It’s the weekend and you’ve invited a crowd of people over for dinner, but you only have a small dining room and a very small dining table. What to do? In our segment Tara Dennis came up with some quick and simple design solutions.

• A sheet of glass can transform a small dining table into a table large enough for 6 to 8 guests. Just telephone a glass company and order 6mm laminated safety glass with bevelled edges in the size you require. Cover the small table with an attractive cloth, and then ask a friend to help you lift the glass top into place.
• Make some natural hessian slip covers to add colour, texture and style to plain chairs.
• Usually too much clutter makes a small room look even smaller, but it can also add another dimension. Tara demonstrated this effect with a side table, ornaments, bowls and a pair of face masks on the wall.

Further information

Natural hessian fabric costs around $3 per metre from Spotlight stores nationally. 6mm laminated safety glass with bevelled edges costs about $190 (cut to size). Ornaments, bowls, etc are available through selected homewares stores, such as Bayswiss and Freedom, or you might find some real treasures at your local markets. Face masks cost $69 each from Ulterior Motifs at Birkenhead Point, Sydney. Phone: (02) 9181 2214.

Copyright CTC Productions 2003