In the midst of our holidays, I’ve been thinking a lot about “the way we dine” as it relates to my real estate world, buyer wishlists and the way we live. Somewhere I read that 30% of people in the UK have no dining table. One might say that their homes are smaller and won’t accommodate tables, but either way, it means they eat together less. I don’t scientifically know the social effects that may have on families but I might guess. Here in the US, we see lots of homes on HGTV that highlight the open concept with no formal dining room – doesn’t seem to matter what the price point might be. The kitchen island for informal eating has become very popular for everyone coming and going with their activities, therefore eating at different times. I guess we could say this has been on the rise since the 1920s when the electric stove became a popular kitchen appliance and homeowners wanted to show them off – the island then came to be and paved the way for the open concept (source) – trends evolve and some slower than others!

However, when house hunting, it might be a missed opportunity to go without a dining room, as we are the only beings who are willing to share our food even when we are starving. That’s for real! The dining table’s role is significant in the union of family, friends, and neighbors. Maybe it’s a place where we learn the practice of gratitude and know and support one another (with a little hospitality mixed in)!

Growing up I had a friend whose family had a small blueberry farm in the Willamette Valley. That meant summer Saturday mornings at her house – blueberry pancakes and waffles were served with French press coffee (new to me at the time) over some deep conversations. Looking back at that experience and my own, I would guess that children who show up to the table eventually practice what they see – they most likely want to ignite the same energy at their table. It’s no doubt a place of belonging. I’m no physiologist but in its simplest of forms, it sounds like a good thing!

It’s interesting that some of my younger buyers are requesting the formal dining room of yesterday, contrary to the open concept with just a bar and/or breakfast nook. To support this I found that the National Association of Home Builders lately reported that less than half of millennials (the largest pool of buyers today) are wanting the open concept plan (source).

Over this holiday season, I hope you find a way to meet at someone’s table if not your own. Size doesn’t matter and spaces converted to make room for the extra card tables work too! Those Costco tables with a tablecloth or brown paper for sketching make for great extensions! The more the merrier!