Eating dinner around the dining room table is almost a joke these days and few are the families that actually gather together to eat dinner. More common is the coffee table dinner. Families are more likely to come together around the coffee table, in front of the TV to eat these days than ever before. Thus, coffee tables that are more accommodating are necessary.

Something to look for in a new coffee table that you want to eat at is drawers. A coffee table with drawers means that you can keep napkins and coasters ready and easily accessible. Small salt and pepper shakes could also be kept in the drawers as long as they are in a secure holder. Being able to keep these small dining accessories at the coffee table will save you from constantly going into the kitchen.

Another feature to look for in a coffee table intended for meals is a water resistant stain. Even if you intend to use coasters and placemats, there will always be the risk of developing water marks on your coffee tables. The best way to combat this is to simply have a water resistant stain put on the table. This may cost a little more but in the long run you will be glad to have a well kept, stain free coffee table.

A coffee table with a lip or some sort of edge is also helpful. This lip or edge will help to keep things on the table. Nobody wants their meal or drink to slide off onto the floor. Tables with pull out or fold out surfaces are also helpful. This is especially nice if you have a cushioned coffee table. The cushions aren’t very stable so pull out side tables will save you from spilled messes and provide greater surface area.