I just re-did an old dining table and chairs. I figured I had nothing to lose since they were either going to look better or it was going to the dump. I'm SO glad we refinished it. I found a fabric that incorporated my colors at the store, ignoring anything except the fact that it had all of my colors in it, then we washed and very lightly sanded the chairs so that they would take spray paint. Two light coats covered the old ugly white. A friend used his sander VERY lightly on the top of the table, since it is actually a veneer, then I stained and polyurethaned the table top and sides. The finished product: I believe that wood is wood is wood, so I don't care if one wood doesn't match another. If that is a problem for you, then use a tablecloth over the top that goes with your other decor.

Don't write off fabric just yet. You could use microsuede, Crypton, or any of the newer indoor/outdoor fabrics available now. My DD chucked a whole bowl of tomato soup on one of my pale blue microsuede chairs and I swear it cleaned up perfectly. I think softer lines, and fabric, would bring some balance to the angularity of your room. I love the artwork and might think about pulling some color from the painting next to the stairs into said fabric. I know and love your kitchen from the KB. Nice to see you over here. looking forward to seeing more! :-)

Slinkey: You're the one I saw recently with the wood table and Parson's chairs! I love your set. But I think you're pretty far from TX, aren't you?? ^_^ Susan209: I got on Craigslist all the time! And I would totally consider getting a second-hand one. Biggest issue is having the cash for one (where at a store I could pay for it in installments). But, I keep my eyes peeled. Although, just yesterday I found someone selling 6 Parson's chairs (with decent slipcovers) for $50 each. So, things are out there. Joann and Linda: Thank you for the wise advice. You're right about taking my time. My husband has already suggested getting one of those folding tables anyway, and with 9-10 adults and 7 kids (ranging from 1 yr to 18) slated for Thanksgiving, they wouldn't all fit at a formal table that would fit in that space anyway. And, of course, another issue is money. I'd rather save for something nice than put something on credit (and then have something happen where we couldn't pay off, ya know?). That's why I love coming here and reading everyone's points of view -- many, many years of experience. Thanks again! You've given me much to think about (and I really do think that maybe the rented/folding table and chairs may be a better solution for Thanksgiving, and I won't feel so frazzled to get a house in order and new furniture in and can focus on what matters most -- family!). *hugs to all* ^_^

The Emeco 1951 chair looks fun-isn't it the one made out of recycled coke bottles? I also like the Emeco 1006 Navy chair, which costs more. The thing is that I want to buy at least 4-6 of whatever I get. When we all are here I need 10-12 chairs. I won't make any decision until I get the table thing figured out. I have my grandmothers maple extending table but it is not big enough when all are here. It is long when extended, but narrow. I have tons of seating elsewhere, but I like us all together. Thanks for your help. I value your input because you know what you are talking about!