It’s only natural that people would be beginning to focus on table settings and decor this time of year. With Thanksgiving fast approaching and the holiday season nearly here, these are the days when the dining room has its moment. Even if the gatherings are much smaller this year — or limited to immediate family — all eyes will be on the dining area.

With that in mind, we’ve shifted our focus a little away from the table setting and toward the table itself. What makes a dining table unique? How can homeowners select a table that’s eye-catching but also practical for their everyday needs? We selected ten dining tables we love in rooms across the country, ranging from traditional to trend-setting. Take a look at our favorites below, browse some of our one-of-a-kind vintage and antique or brand-new tables, and find inspiration for your next meal.

This may be a designer case of “business in the front, party in the back.” An unusual base featuring two silver loops is what makes the dining table in this room by Maine Design stand out. While the rest of this Beverly Hills dining room mixes contemporary and traditional to excellent effect, the table accomplishes it in the same piece.

For this sun-splashed dining room in Los Angeles’s Silverlake neighborhood, designer Jamie Bush embraced his mastery of mid-century style. He paired a solid low-slung wood dining table with thin-legged chairs and a super-long rounded banquette to create an elegant, minimalist space where all eyes are on the enviable views.

This ultra-modern Sag Harbor dining room by P&T Interiors proves that black is anything but boring. Simple modern dining chairs are paired with a long polished table with intricate legs that are designed to draw the eye. Black casements and glossy black walls complete the look.

The dining area of this townhouse in Boston’s South End by Elms Interior Design is a midcentury marvel. A round wood dining table with an angular, geometric base is paired with a set of whimsical orange wishbone chairs, while a curved yellow console table adds an additional sense of fun to the room.

The modern dining table in this space by Denise McGaha Interiors is all about angles, angles, angles. Its square shape is reinforced by the center plate, while the legs slant out at a 45-degree angle. The bench’s perpendicular lines provide contrast, and the upholstered chairs and pillows complete the cross-shaped theme.

Eclectic Home also played creatively with shapes in this dining room, pairing a large square beveled table with rectangular chairs with bases that form triangular patterns. The circular patterned wallpaper, art, and round pendant lights create a delightful contrast to the rest of the room’s straight lines.

Deborah Leamann selected an antique dining table with intricate detailing for this bright cottage. Paired with a vibrant red rug and elegantly sloping Klismos chairs, the table creates visual interest without overwhelming the design of the classic space.

For this small dining space, CM Natural Designs chose a round pedestal table with a classic form to create an eclectic vibe. The white of the table provides a contrast with the dark wood floor, while the antique cabinet in the corner by the stairs delivers a touch of color to the room.

The ornate dining table is the statement maker in this elegant space by Marianne Simon Design. Paired with a ringed chandelier and a black-framed painting on the far wall, this glamorous table centers the sophisticated, restrained dining room.

In this renovated Chicago loft, designer Maren Baker opted to do something a bit unexpected with the dining table. Rather than select a raw or reclaimed wood piece to match the ceiling beams, floor, and cabinetry, she chose a simple, glossy white rectangular table, creating a visual distinction between the dining and living areas of the apartment.

Any questions please feel free to ask me through Andrew@sinotxj.com