I know what you mean. When we first moved here my husband said about sewing in the basement. Great in theory, but not in practicality.
The kids wouldn't be able to go outside and play. They wouldn't be able to be down in the basement... I use the dining room table and we have picnics on the living room floor. I hope the kids remember these times as the fun times of getting to have picnics on the living room floor and not "Don't touch that!!!" as they get too close to the table... :)