I dine at my kitchen island for most meals, where eight can comfortably gather—anymore, and it’s a situation that moves to the dining room. My island is always guest-ready, with four placemats, cloth napkins, and utensils in place, just waiting to welcome whoever drops by.
My dining room area is a place that is just decorated a bit more formally. It's rarely used, maybe 6 times a year.
I did have a "breakfast area" in my kitchen with a table for four or six. But I removed it and made the area into a baking area, I now have a large, tall stainless-steel table where I knead the dough and prep my desserts.