Lisa Milbrand has more than 20 years of experience as a lifestyle writer and editor, writing thousands of articles on topics that help people live better and healthier lives for Real Simple, Parents, and dozens of other top publications.

Whether you're planning a lavish dinner party or just a cozy get-together with friends, your dining room is likely the place where people gather for a snack-filled buffet or a full-on meal. But there may be a few things in your dining room that make it a little less-than-welcoming for your guests.

Fortunately, with a few expert-approved dining room design tweaks, you can make your room more cozy, comfortable, and stylish -- and ready for your next party.