If it is a casual buffet type meal you don't need to go over board on the dinner table. I would suggest a lovely table runner a pose of fresh flowers (not high so that you block peoples view across the table). Some lovely place mats, standard silverware and glasses all set out and a couple of very simple candle sticks - I also love the idea of the mini Led Fairy lights but maybe around the room (perhaps a mirror if you have one in the room). If you have napkin rings or can make lovely napkins shapes out of origami, that adds a little bit of class and perhaps a small chocolate at each place setting. Don't go over board. After all it is the company (and the food) that should be the star of the night and you need to relax as well. Not every decorative piece needs to be on the table.

My new kitchen will be light grey cabinets, white and grey stone bench tops. My current dining table is a clear glass top, black leather chairs with chrome legs/framing. I love these gold polished glass pendants for over my island bench but will they look okay with my dining suite or is it too different? I can go for the grey glass lights but they are quite opaque during the day.

Thank you for your comments. I really appreciate your help. I think we are on the same track. The rugs I have brought home have fought with the terracotta colour plus the busyness of the small tiles. I did come across this picture on Houzz, which I think looks good. What do you think? It would need some of that burnt orange from the chair upholstery as well as the aubergine to tie in but I liked the dark border line, it matched with the grout.

Um why ? I'd do a coffee table , and have the light maybe 1 metre or less from the ceiling . The second one I'd just balance the first one , so if the first one is say 2.5 metres from one wall , hang the other 2.5 metres from another wall . The lights are really nice -- you would want them to be seen , rather than highlighting a couch IMO .