Entertaining in Style: Dining Room Must-Haves for Winter Gatherings
As the crisp air settles in, winter in New Zealand brings with it a slower rhythm; one that invites us to retreat indoors, gather close, and savour the simple pleasures of home. It’s a season made for comfort and connection, where the dining room becomes more than just a place to eat: it transforms into a sanctuary of warmth, conversation, and shared experience.
There’s something undeniably special about entertaining in winter. The clink of glasses, the aroma of slow-cooked meals, the soft glow of candlelight...all of it feels richer, more intimate. It’s a time to lean into the art of hosting, to create spaces that welcome guests with open arms and thoughtful design. And at the heart of it all is the dining room: a canvas for creativity, a stage for storytelling, and a reflection of personal style.
This month, we explore the essential elements that elevate your dining space for winter entertaining. From sculptural tables and inviting chairs to cohesive brand pairings, pendant lighting, rugs, and accessories, we’ll guide you through the pieces that bring beauty and function together. Whether you're planning a festive dinner party or a quiet meal with loved ones, these curated selections from Cult Design will help you entertain in style and make every gathering feel like a celebration.
Dining Tables: The Foundation of the Feast
A dining table is more than just a piece of furniture: it’s the anchor of the room, the place where meals unfold into memories and conversations stretch long into the evening. In winter, its role becomes even more central. It’s where we gather for hearty roasts, pour rich reds, and reconnect with friends and family over slow, comforting meals. Choosing the right table is about more than dimensions: it’s about atmosphere, materiality, and the kind of experience you want to create.
Material plays a defining role in the mood of your dining space. Timber tables bring a sense of warmth and tactility, with grain patterns that tell stories of nature and craftsmanship. They’re versatile, timeless, and grounding, perfect for homes that lean into organic textures and earthy palettes. Stone tables, on the other hand, offer a sense of permanence and luxury. Their cool surfaces and sculptural presence make them ideal for more dramatic interiors, especially when paired with bold lighting and accessories. For those drawn to contemporary design, lacquered or composite finishes can add a sleek, modern edge, reflecting light and creating a sense of spaciousness.
Rib Table | NAU
Epic Table | Gubi
Sequence Oval Dining Table | Coco Flip
Shape is equally important. A round table encourages intimacy and equality; everyone is part of the conversation, and the flow feels natural. It’s ideal for smaller gatherings or rooms where space is at a premium. Oval tables soften the geometry of a space while offering generous seating, striking a balance between formality and fluidity. Rectangular tables, classic and versatile, suit larger rooms and more structured entertaining. They provide ample space for place settings, centrepieces, and serving dishes, making them a favourite for dinner parties and family feasts alike.
PK54 | Fritz Hansen
CH006 | Carl Hansen & Søn
Ita | &Tradition
Whether your style leans minimalist or expressive, rustic or refined, the right dining table sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s the first step in creating a space that feels intentional, inviting, and ready to host.
Dining Chairs: Where Comfort Meets Character
If the dining table is the stage, the chairs are the cast, each one playing a role in the experience of gathering, eating, and connecting. In winter, when meals stretch longer and conversations deepen, comfort becomes just as important as style. The right dining chair invites guests to settle in, to linger over dessert, and to feel at home.
Materiality is often the first consideration. Timber chairs offer a sense of honesty and craftsmanship, with warm tones and tactile surfaces that echo the natural world. They’re perfect for spaces that embrace simplicity and organic textures. Upholstered chairs, on the other hand, bring softness and luxury. Whether wrapped in velvet, boucle, or leather, they add a layer of comfort that’s especially welcome in the cooler months. Upholstery also allows for playful colour choices or subtle tonal layering, depending on your palette.
Don | NAU
Beetle | Gubi
CH23 | Carl Hansen & Søn
Monolit | Fritz Hansen
Then there’s the question of form. Armchairs provide a sense of presence and support, ideal for more formal settings or as end chairs in a larger arrangement. Armless chairs keep things light and flexible, allowing for easier movement and a more casual feel. Some designs blur the line between the two, offering low-profile arms or sculptural silhouettes that feel both elegant and relaxed.
RFH Armchair RD7 | &Tradition
Vico Duo | Fritz Hansen
Daumiller Dining Armchair | Gubi
Plan 3414 | Fredericia
Design language also plays a role. Iconic chairs carry the weight of history and design legacy. Pieces like Fritz Hansen’s Ant Chair or Carl Hansen’s Wishbone Chair are instantly recognisable and deeply respected. Contemporary designs, meanwhile, push boundaries with new materials, unexpected forms, and fresh perspectives. They bring energy and modernity to the dining room, often acting as conversation starters in their own right.
Ant™ Chair | Fritz Hansen
Sia | NAU
Result | HAY
Swivel 452 | Vipp
Ultimately, dining chairs should reflect your lifestyle and aesthetic. Whether you’re drawn to sculptural silhouettes, plush upholstery, or minimalist timber frames, the right chair completes the dining experience not just visually, but emotionally.
Cohesive Looks: Curated Pairings That Inspire
There’s a certain magic that happens when furniture pieces speak the same design language; when a dining table and its surrounding chairs feel like they were made for each other. These pairings go beyond matching finishes or shapes; they create a sense of harmony, a visual rhythm that makes a space feel considered and complete.
Take Fritz Hansen, for example. The Super-Elliptical Table, with its soft curves and generous proportions, is a modern classic that invites conversation. Paired with the iconic Series 7 chairs, the ensemble feels effortlessly refined - an ode to Danish design that balances sculptural beauty with everyday functionality.
Carl Hansen & Søn offers a more organic take on cohesion. The CH339 Dining Table, crafted in solid wood, brings warmth and authenticity to the room. When matched with the CH24 Wishbone Chairs, the result is a timeless setting that celebrates craftsmanship and natural materials. It’s a pairing that feels grounded, tactile, and deeply inviting.
Super-Elliptical™ B613 Table & Series 7™ Chairs | Fritz Hansen
CH339 Dining Table & CH24 Wishbone Chairs | Carl Hansen & Søn
For those who lean toward contemporary drama, Gubi offers a pairing that’s both sculptural and refined. The Moon Dining Table, with its bold cylindrical base and smooth, rounded top, creates a striking centrepiece that feels grounded yet elegant. Paired with the Violin Dining Chairs, the ensemble balances strength with delicacy. The chairs’ slender frame and gently curved backrest echo the table’s soft geometry, resulting in a dining setting that feels curated, contemporary, and full of character.
Fredericia brings together honest materials and architectural clarity in the pairing of the J39 Chair and the Islet Dining Table. The J39, designed by Børge Mogensen in 1947, is a Danish design icon, its solid wood frame and woven seat embody simplicity, durability, and timeless appeal. When paired with the Islet Table, the look becomes more contemporary. Designed by Maria Bruun, the Islet features a refined silhouette with clean lines and subtle detailing, offering a quiet sophistication that complements the J39’s rustic charm. Together, they create a dining setting that feels grounded, balanced, and beautifully understated.
Moon Dining Table & Violin Chairs | Gubi
Islet Dining Table & J39 Chairs | Fredericia
&Tradition offers a thoughtful blend of heritage and modernity with the pairing of the Drop Leaf Table and the Rely Chair. Designed in 1956 by Hvidt & Mølgaard, the Drop Leaf Table showcases classic Danish craftsmanship with its foldable wings and sculptural wooden frame, making it both functional and timeless. Paired with Hee Welling’s Rely Chair, the ensemble takes on a contemporary edge. The Rely’s sleek silhouette and recycled plastic shell introduce a minimalist contrast to the table’s warm timber tones, creating a dining setting that feels balanced, sustainable, and quietly sophisticated.
Closer to home, NAU’s Molloy Table and Chairs celebrate Australian design with fluid lines and rich timber tones. Designed with both beauty and practicality in mind, this pairing suits relaxed interiors that value craftsmanship and connection.
Drop Leaf Table & Rely Chair | &Tradition
Molloy Dining Table & Molloy Chairs | NAU
Below you can find more inspiring combinations. Each of these pairings offers a distinct mood and aesthetic, helping you create a dining space that feels cohesive, curated, and uniquely yours.
Vipp - Cabin Round Table and Cabin Chairs with their refined details, offer a minimalist, architectural look.
HAY – CPH 25 Table and Rey Chair, a playful yet balanced duo that blends clean lines with bold colour.
Mater – BM5462 Table and BM3162 Chair, a sustainable pairing that honours Børge Mogensen’s legacy while embracing conscious design.
PP Mobler – PP75 Stayed Table and PP505 Cow Horn Chair, a masterclass in Danish woodworking that feels both heritage-rich and timeless.
Pendant Lighting: Setting the Mood from Above
Lighting is one of the most transformative elements in any room, and in the dining space, it plays a starring role. A well-placed pendant light doesn’t just illuminate the table; it defines the atmosphere, anchors the setting, and adds a sculptural focal point that draws the eye and sets the tone for the entire experience.
In winter, when natural light fades early and evenings stretch longer, the glow of a pendant becomes even more important. It creates intimacy, warmth, and a sense of occasion. Whether you're hosting a formal dinner or a casual gathering, the right lighting can make your guests feel instantly at ease.
The beauty of pendant lighting lies in its versatility. A single bold pendant can make a dramatic statement, especially when suspended low over a round or oval table. For longer rectangular tables, a series of smaller pendants or a linear fixture can provide balanced illumination while adding rhythm and repetition to the space. Materials also matter. Glass pendants offer a soft, diffused glow, metal shades bring a touch of industrial edge, and fabric or ceramic designs add texture and warmth.
Semi Pendant | Gubi
P376 Pendant KF2 | &Tradition
Bonbon | HAY
Caravaggio | Fritz Hansen
Mist | &Tradition
Jolly | NAU
Height is key. Hanging your pendant at the right level - typically around 70 to 85 cm above the table - ensures it creates a cozy pool of light without obstructing sightlines. Dimmable options are ideal, allowing you to shift the mood from bright and lively to soft and atmospheric with the turn of a dial.
At Cult Design, our collection of pendant lights includes pieces that are as functional as they are beautiful. Whether you’re drawn to minimalist silhouettes or expressive forms, these designs are made to elevate your dining experience. Literally and figuratively.
Rugs: Grounding the Space with Texture and Warmth
A rug beneath your dining table does more than complete the look; it transforms the entire atmosphere of the room. It’s the layer that grounds the furniture, softens the acoustics, and adds a tactile richness that’s especially welcome during the colder months. In winter, when we crave warmth and comfort, a rug becomes an essential part of the dining experience.
Functionally, rugs help define the dining zone, especially in open-plan spaces. They create a visual boundary that separates the dining area from the rest of the room, giving it a sense of purpose and intimacy. They also absorb sound, reducing echoes and making conversations feel more personal and relaxed, an often-overlooked benefit when entertaining indoors.
From a styling perspective, rugs introduce texture, colour, and pattern. A neutral rug in wool or jute can add softness without overwhelming the space, while a patterned design can inject personality and hide the inevitable crumbs and spills that come with entertaining. Flatweave rugs are particularly well-suited to dining rooms: they’re durable, easy to clean, and sit comfortably under chairs without bunching or catching.
Tres Vegetal | nanimarquina
The Moor AP8 | &Tradition
Nuance | nanimarquina
Size matters too. A rug should be large enough to accommodate the table and chairs, even when the chairs are pulled out. This ensures a cohesive look and prevents awkward edges that disrupt the flow of the room. As a general rule, aim for at least 60cm beyond the table on all sides.
At Cult Design, we offer a selection of rugs that balance beauty and practicality. Whether you’re drawn to artisanal textures, subtle gradients, or bold geometric patterns, these designs are made to elevate your dining space and bring a sense of warmth to winter entertaining.
Accessories: The Finishing Touches That Make It Yours
Accessories are the quiet storytellers of a dining room. They don’t demand attention, but they shape the mood, reflect your personality, and elevate the everyday into something memorable. In winter, when we spend more time indoors and around the table, these small details become even more meaningful. They add warmth, texture, and a sense of occasion to every meal.
Think of accessories as the punctuation marks in your dining narrative. A sculptural vase filled with seasonal branches or dried florals can bring life and movement to the table, while a set of candle holders adds flickering warmth and intimacy. Placemats and serving pieces introduce layers of colour and texture, helping to define each place setting and create a rhythm across the table.
Ikebana Vase | Fritz Hansen
Placemat | Vipp
Sobremesa Vase | HAY
These elements also allow for creativity and change. You might swap out accessories with the seasons, or mix materials - ceramic, glass, metal, timber - to create contrast and depth. They’re an opportunity to express your style in subtle ways, whether that’s through minimalist forms, playful shapes, or artisanal finishes.
Functionality matters too. A well-designed jug or serving bowl can be both beautiful and practical, enhancing the dining experience while contributing to the overall aesthetic. And don’t underestimate the power of repetition: grouping accessories in threes or layering heights can create visual interest and balance.
Barro Collection | HAY
Momento Jug | &Tradition
Candleholder | Fritz Hansen
At Cult Design, we curate accessories that complement our furniture collections while standing strong on their own. These pieces are designed to be touched, admired and used, adding soul to your dining space and making every gathering feel just a little more special.
Bringing It All Together
Winter entertaining is a celebration of togetherness; a chance to slow down, gather close, and create moments that linger long after the last glass is poured. And at the heart of it all is the dining room: a space where design meets emotion, where furniture becomes part of the story, and where every detail contributes to the experience.
From the sculptural presence of a well-chosen dining table to the comfort and character of the chairs that surround it, each element plays a role in shaping the mood. Pendant lights cast a warm glow, rugs soften the space and ground the setting, and accessories add those final, personal touches that make a room feel truly yours.
At Cult Design, we believe that entertaining in style isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention. It’s about curating a space that reflects your taste, supports your lifestyle, and welcomes your guests with open arms. Whether you’re refreshing your dining room or starting from scratch, our collection of furniture, lighting, and accessories is here to help you create a space that feels both beautiful and lived-in.
This winter, embrace the joy of indoor gatherings. Set the table, light the candles, and let your dining room become the backdrop for connection, comfort, and celebration.
