Elegance is the theme to strive for in the formal dining area, but a casual elegance . . .
Bringing in small plants will soften the feel of a formal dining room and make for a more natural setting. With the right accessories a small buffet can be made to look like a family heirloom. Consider a mirror or a valued painting over the buffet and some greenery around it. One nice personal touch is to keep two formal place settings close together at one end of the dining table at all times - for an impromptu romantic dinner with your favorite takeout.