The dining–parlour was a noble room, suitable in its dimensions to a much larger drawing–room than the one in common use, and fitted up in a style of luxury and expense which was almost lost on the unpractised eye of Catherine, who saw little more than its spaciousness and the number of their attendants.

Here is a picture of a late Georgian Dining Room, possibly taken from a pattern book. You can see that is spacious. The luxury and expense can be found in the description of the room.

Fig. 380. Late Georgian Dining Room. 1795-1800 Plaster ceiling and frieze. Classical decoration in very low relief. Plaster with painted decoration on walls. Alcoves. Polished wood floor. Carpet to fit in the scheme with ceiling design. Sash windows, striped silk curtains in shades of green, gold cords and tassels, wood curtain poles. Glass chandelier. Vase candelabra in alcoves. Wall lights, plaster and gold decoration. Furniture—Mahogany dining table in sections with pedestals, brass feet and castors, height 2 ft. 6 in. Dining chairs, upholstered seats, decoration by marquetry and brass stringing, height 3 ft. Chairs in the bay, japanned beechwood, cane seats, height 2 ft. 9 in. Table in bay, circular pedestal breakfast table, mahogany, inlaid top, height 2 ft. 5 in.

The English Home, A Thousand Years of Furnishing and Decoration, Doreen Yarwood, 1956

It is unfortunate that the General's presence puts a damper upon those who are (un)fortunate to dine there.

The happiness with which their time now passed, every employment voluntary, every laugh indulged, every meal a scene of ease and good humour, walking where they liked and when they liked, their hours, pleasures, and fatigues at their own command, made her thoroughly sensible of the restraint which the general’s presence had imposed, and most thankfully feel their present release from it.