The dining room is where a family gathers, perhaps joined by friends or relatives, for a shared dining experience. If your busy family members grab meals on the run, you know how dining room traditions are being replaced. Your dining room furniture should reflect your family's lifestyle.

Many families reserve their official dining room for special occasions, and use their kitchen eat-in table and chairs for daily use. In that case, dining room furniture should be worthy of occasional use, and be more refined, classy and expensive.

Dining room furniture can be subdivided into categories, such as:

• dining room table and chairs
• china cabinet or hutch
• sideboard and buffet

When you're looking for new dining room furniture, remember the space you have and the number of people you want to accommodate in your dining room. Smaller dining tables suit four people, while medium-sized tables have room for six people. Larger tables can accommodate eight or more people.

If you have to guess who's coming to dinner, you'll need a drop leaf table. With an insert that can be easily added or removed, you'll be prepared for everybody.

Buffets and sideboards provide extra serving surface. Styles range from modern elegance to old world classical. Cabinets and drawers provide extra storage area for dishes, linens, and utensils.

When you're looking for dining room furniture, one important feature to keep in mind is stain resistant upholstery.  There's always the danger of spills on fabric. Make sure the fabric can be easily wiped off, without harming its texture. Don't take a chance on ruining your dining experience for years to come!

Modern dining room furniture consists of a stunning variety of materials. You're sure to find furniture that enhances the decor of your home.