Conference Table or Multi-Person Workstation Desk as a Dining Room Table?

theodp writes: While a house or apartment with a separate 'formal' dining room/area in addition to casual dining space is a nice-to-have, you may find you only use the space occasionally for get-togethers with family and friends. If you work from home or have kids who need a place to do their homework, have you eschewed or considered eschewing a traditional dining table for a conference room table or multi-person workstation desk that can do double-duty as your everyday workspace and occasional dining room table? If so, care to share how that worked out you (aesthetically and functionally) and tips for what to consider (height, width, finish, power outlets, chair types, cost, etc.)?