About the circle table-extension thingie - I was sort of thinking of either a plastic banquet-type tabletop or, if I had to build it myself, I could build something in pieces that would snap together (maybe I could use dowels or something the way leaves attach to a table). I could store the pieces in the basement (actually, I could fit a whole tabletop in the basement, but it would be cumbersome to get up and down the stairs which is why pieces would be better). It wouldn't have to look pretty, since if we had that many people as to require a bigger table, we'd probably be having something formal enough to use a tablecloth. So I coudl use plywood or mdf or something. The main thing I'd have to figure out is how to keep it from tipping if someone leans on one side - I'd need to find a way to attach it to the table. Hmmm..... Any other input?

Foyboystoo I thought about that! I really wanted a Corian top and couldn't find a bottom for what the entire table cost. So perhaps I could take the top off and have Corian attached. I don't mind that it is oval as I have seen oval ones in other pictures, however it may not look right when it arrives, I just have to wait and see. If I like it but I do not like the light color top with my dark floors, I will stain it. However, I must not forget, that my floors are also dark in my dining room and I got a natural color reclaimed wood dining room table and it looks fine. For $200 I am not considering it a loss and it's the exact size I need so hopefully it works.

Thanks everyone! Mellyc123--Here's a photo (sorry it's so blurry) of the family room from when we first moved in. We've added some accessories and lighting, but the sectional, rug and credenza are the same. You can see it's much more masculine and darker wood and colors than the kitchen.

princemurtuza- Well, well, well. There are some rather apt sayings I will quote- "One man's meat is another man's poison." "There is no accounting for taste." I am not fond of fixtures with transparent glass because the glare from the bulbs gives me a headache, and with the amount of time one spends in the kitchen, that is absolutely a no-go, for me at least. I prefer glass that is not transparent. princemurtuza- There are a lot of fixtures that are just gorgeous and not quotidian, you just have to be willing to hunt them down, and pay $$$ for them. The best thing for you to do is to go online and look at the really high end lighting companies and try to narrow down what style that you like. Just create virtual "idea boards" for yourself, don't even look at the prices. After you've looked at several luxurious brands products and made virtual collages for yourself, you should notice some sort of commonality in your choices. Then you can narrow down to the specific shape, style and material that you like. Once you've done that, then if you would like some advice from the folks here on Houzz, then upload the photos of the things you are thinking about, so we have several items to choose from. At that point, you know what you are looking for, and then you can find something that most closely resembles that in quality and style at a place you can afford. And by the way, when you are on Houzz and ask for advice /opinions, advice and opinions are what you'll get. And you may not like or agree with them or find them helpful. If you want someone to pat you on the head and tell you exactly what you want to hear, you are in the wrong place. If you paid a decorator money and she/he told you only what you wanted to hear, you'd be throwing your money away.