Into the fold: 7 of the best Trestle-style tables

When it comes to successful entertaining, it's not just about the food, the booze and the riveting company. Seating your guests comfortably is key to creating a convivial atmosphere, particularly if you like to chew the fat over a few bottles of your finest, late into the night.

This is when a trestle-style table comes into its own. No-one wants to sit squashed elbow-to-elbow – and a generous dining table will give those seated around it space to relax and enjoy themselves.

Check out our edit of the best wine coolers.

There are some beauties in our edit that are reminiscent of refectory or farmhouse tables, with plenty of room for the family and a few extra guests. Ikea's Mockelby and Flint by Steven Owens at &Bespoke are fine examples if you like this look.

There are trestle-style tables that will extend to accommodate a larger crowd too, such as the Winglefield from Oka (which can seat up to 18), the Santino at John Lewis & Partners and Borge Mogensen's Danish design classic, the Hunting table manufactured by Carl Hansen & Son.

See our edit of the best kitchen chairs.

For smaller spaces, Made.com's Aphra would work, as its slimline profile and pale finish give it a discreet presence for its size.

Over at Neptune, its roomy Hebden design has the appearance of an old school work bench, so it looks as good as an industrial-style desk in a home office or study, as it does as a dining table.

If you'd like your seating to be as expandable as your table, introduce a bench on one side with chairs on the other; this will give a relaxed, casual feel to mealtimes. Alternatively, if you'd prefer to elevate the look to a more sophisticated level, consider upholstered dining chairs.

The trestle-style tables ahead can be dressed up or down to suit the mood you want to create.

See these coolkitchen-diner ideas.

This farmhouse style table would bring a relaxed look to a kitchen-dining space.

Crafted from solid oak, this table has a clean-lined, Scandi-inspired design. It's easy to extend, with 2 table leaves on either side, and offers generous seating for up to 12 diners.

Originally designed for an environment such as a hunting cabin, Børge Mogensen's Hunting Table exemplifies the 'golden age' of Danish Design. This one has a beautiful oiled walnut finish.

Made with mango wood this table has a light finish and a slimline profile, so would suit smaller spaces.

This rustic design works as well as a desk as it does as a dining table. It's available with different tops and legs but we love this solid oak version.

The top of this refectory table is made from 3 crown cut boards of solid oak with a white oiled finish, giving a robust work surface. The trestle style legs are in solid scorched oak with beautiful dovetail slips in the underside of the top.

With room for ten at its smallest – and 18 when extended – this table promises ample space for convivial summer gatherings.

With room for ten at its smallest – and 18 when extended – this table promises ample space for convivial summer gatherings.