Small Dining Tables

Small dining tables can help out in a situation where the total guest change from minute to minute; move then in and move them out or just add a couple of chairs.  Then just making them can be as fun as the use; take a quick card table or any folding table and move it in.  Place a nice table cloth over it and a pretty center piece on top of almost anything and it can look great.

Decorations

On a small table it is best to keep the place setting as simple as is attractive and the center piece very small if at all.  Just a pretty little candle a name plate designation or single flower may be more than enough to make it personable.  Place mats are best to be left out using only the utensils and a napkin to mark an individual spot.  Keep the decorative serving wear to a minimum also as these can lead to a cluttered look.  A table cloth and something simple in the middle of the table can allow for a buffet setting where only the needed dishes and utensils are brought to the table by your guests.  Chips and such may be also left to the individual to bring from the buffet to the table to allow for more room on the table; then cleared when the main course is being served.  Just rotating the courses can make it seem as there is more area or space than there really is.

Tables

Smaller tables can be created from almost anything that you can dream up.  From a quick card table or a folding table it really is up to you and how you present it.  A table can be just an end table or cocktail table set in just the right fashion.  Something as simple as a piece of wood placed over a couple of milk crates or bails or hay can work in a country setting.  Or using resources and renting some additional small tables from a store can allow for you to be present and be prepared for any amount of extra guests and still appear fashionable and as if you knew this was going to happen the whole time.

Prepare

If there may be occasion for the possibilities of extra guests: many more than planned.  Just learn to plan ahead and know that you might need extra room.  Maybe even an outside area with some cover and climate control or a room inside emptied to allow for a quick set up.  Having the additional tables and of course chairs can make short notice almost looked planned.  Just plan for the unknown and you can never go wrong.

Stop the stress. Plan a bit ahead for any possibility and go with the flow.  Your guests will see your stress if you allow it or just as easily see that everything is fine and you have the philosophy that the more the merrier is great as long as everyone has a great time and would want to join you for another evening at any time.