Come dine with me.

NOW we're all living a little more frugally, I think that even when the recession loosens its grip, we should continue to enjoy the finer things in life ... at home.

OK, so the food might not be up to the same standard, but just think ... no expensive taxis, no table next to you talking too loudly and you can even put your elbows on the table!

There's nothing to stop you getting dressed up and enjoying a night in. Follow in the footsteps of Come Dine With Me and invite friends round, cook a three-course dinner and make sure you put your best clothes on.

It is also a good idea to make sure your dining room is up to scratch too. Many people are guilty of having less than exciting dining rooms - few people really take the time to make this room as polished and pretty as the rest of their home.

Any room can be brought to life with a lick of paint and some new accessories or you could even treat yourself to a new table and chairs. Say yes to lush colours, gorgeous designs and fabulous dining furniture. You won't want to eat anywhere but home again.

A table and chairs should be a real investment as they are likely to be kept for years.

If you're lucky enough to have a larger room you can really push the boat out and opt for a classy console unit too.

If after a few years you want to redecorate chairs can easy be reupholstered so don't worry about opting for a more contemporary fabric design in the meantime.

If you're going to go for wood flooring then the dining room is the best place to have it, that way if anything gets spilt its easy to clean and wood won't get as worn out from the chairs and tables resting on it.

You can have lots of fun with table settings - hunt for plates, napkins and other dining accessories in either the same colour as your walls or in black. Mix and match these if you're feeling creative.

The table can also be decorated with a table runner, there are lots of lovely ones available but if you can't TAKE A SEAT Chairs can be changed or reupholstered so don''t worry about opting for something trendy.

find one to suit then try your hand at making one yourself, all it takes is a long strip of fabric, cotton and a sewing machine. Complete the room with lots of lovely atmospheric lighting, especially candles and get ready to dine in style at home.

CAPTION(S):

BRIGHT IDEAS A lick of paint can bring the room to life. FINISHING TOUCHES Have fun with accessories.