The instructions weren't great, but luckily there are few parts, so you should be able to figure it out even if the diagram doesn't make everything completely clear. Aside from figuring out how it fit together, assembly was a breeze. This is a nice small table, big enough for four people to sit at, but I don't think there's room for four people's plates AND multiple serving dishes/pans/etc. I'm using it in a small dining area, paired with a set of 4 chairs from this manufacturer, where I have a sideboard and kitchen peninsula nearby for serving space.