Generally called "gathering tables" -- and not to be confused with smaller pub tables, whose lofty 42-inch height puts them at bar level -- these higher dining sets began appearing on the market only a few years ago. Now, there's hardly a furniture manufacturer, from low end to high, that does not include a gathering-table set or two in its collect...

Informal reaches a new level: As entertaining goes casual, guests head for a seat at the higher, more intimate "gathering table