Double Take: Accent seating

The dinner menu is planned, and the mix-your-own-cocktail bar is stocked. The playlist is downloaded, and the iPod is charged. Sounds like you’ve thought about all of the entertaining essentials. You’re just about ready to host the perfect fall get-together.
 
But wait. Where will your guests sit?
 
Finding the extra seating necessary for entertaining a crowd can be tricky. Before you head out to the store to buy out the selection of folding chairs, check this out.
 
In this — the first— Double Take edition, I’ll help you figure out how to get the most use out of the accent seating you already have in your home. Because sometimes all it takes is a double take to realize the full potential of your furniture!
 
Here are a few quick tips for making the upholstered chairs, desk chairs, dining room chairs, ottomans and benches around the home into truly multipurpose furniture.
 

• Weigh your options: The smaller, less bulky the seating option, the better. Seating that’s on wheels or doesn’t weigh a ton is great because you’re able to move it from room to room for any type of entertaining around the home — dinner parties, movie night or watching the big game.

• Round it up: Bring in chairs, benches and accent seating from around the home. Think of anywhere there is someplace to sit — the upholstered chair in your den, the storage ottomans in the living room, the entryway bench or that catch-all chair in your bedroom. It’s all fair game.

• Think outside the box: If you’re hosting a casual football or fall get-together, bring in your lightweight wicker or outdoor folding chairs. It’ll feel like guests are tailgating at the big game!

• Get comfy: Put yourself in your guest’s shoes. Nobody wants to sit on a hard wooden bench for a relaxing dinner. The best seating to use for entertaining is comfy, so add cushions or pillows to rigid surfaces. (This will help dress up your less-than-fab pieces, too). If possible, make sure all guests have a seat with a back or position the backless pieces against a wall so guests can get a little support if needed.

 
Looking for more ways to put your multipurpose furniture to work around the home? There’s more to come on dressers, desks, coffee tables and more.
 
Is there one piece of furniture in your home you’re looking for a new use for? Just let us know in the comments. It just might become a future blog post!
Top images courtesy of Dream Green DIY (check out her posts here and here).