We're going to opt for a rectangle dining table, or if space is limited a square one that we can extend to a rectangle. I just think it's a much more practical shape to get all the family round!!

The dining table compliments the space.

It depends on the available space and what else you have in it and how many you reasonably need to seat. I do like expanding tables where you can stick extra an extra leaf or two in as required. The kitchen table is circular and would seat four, the dining table is oblong and would seat eight, it never gets used.

I have a "plectrum" shaped table...so it's a mixture of the soft edges of a circular one, but has the corner edges to give it more definition. I have quite a large sitting room/dining area so I had enough space for this, plus the sides are long enough to accommodate another chair, if required. It's a great shape for socialising as well as my daughter laying out all her homework on. I previously had a rectangular one but this time I

wanted to soften things off a little and this certainly helped.

I have an oval gate leg drop leaf 19th century oak table. It's brilliant - when closed the top is wide enough to sit one person either end, when both leaves are up it will seat 6 very comfortably and 8 rather friendly folk.

We need an extendable one, small for family, but large for dinner parties. I favour rectangular as there is more choice, but oval would be nice.

Mine is an oval gate-leg table, circa 1972. With one leaf up it easily seats three. When not in use and the leaves are down it takes up very little space.

I voted for circular, I think they are very sociable and you can squeeze an extra chair or two in quite easily. I restored a circular table but the middle insert section was missing so unfortunately I cannot extend it. But I still love it.

We have an oval dining table. but the next one I buy will be an extendable rectangular one with one main leg in the middle so that table legs don't get in the way whilst seated around it.

I inherited a beautiful oak table and benches dorm my nan. Absolutely love it and it's amazing how any people can squeeze on the benches. Must be at least 60 years old.

I went with an antique that can seat 12. Perfect for parties and family dinners!

I searched everywhere for a round extending glass table and eventually found this ingenious piece of engineering of an extending table. It extends into a large oval and I have seated upto 10 people around it . It cost a lot of money but I love it, only downside is it takes a lot to keep it looking sparkling clean. Also you can keep an eye on your guest and see if anyone is playing footsie under the table. I have moved several times with this table and it has fitted in perfectly in every home. It also gets a lot of ohh's and ahh's when you show people how it extends. It is worth every substantial penny I bought it for.

Circular tables always seem to bring the family together more!

A circular table can be very sociable.

I have no room for a dining table inside as my crafting has sucked it into it's black hole. However I have a round one in the garden.

Oval- better for conversation. A long rectangular one reminds me of a top table at a wedding where you are limited to only a few people to talk to.