lay the table
Prepare for dining
To lay the table is to set it for a meal—placing plates, cutlery, glasses, and napkins in their proper positions before eating.
The phrase is primarily British; Americans typically say set the table.
Could you lay the table while I finish cooking?
Eating implements collectively
- flatwareEating utensils collectively
- dinnerwareVessels for serving meals
- glasswareDrinking containers of silica
- platesFlat eating dishes
bowls · glasses · stemware · goblets · silverware · china · crystal · serving dishes
Receiving guests socially
- guestsPeople received hospitably
- welcomeHospitable greeting offered
- gatheringCollection of people meeting
- entertainingProviding amusement or enjoyment
feast · celebration · family dinner · invitation · mealtime · breaking bread · togetherness · occasion
Rules of polite conduct
- mannersCustoms of polite conduct
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- banquetFormal celebratory meal
- dinner partyHosted meal with guests
fine dining · courses · reception · finger bowl · white glove
Decorative table focal point
- place settingArranged utensils for dining
- candlesWax lights with wicks
- candlesticksBases for tapers
- flowersPlant reproductive structures
salt and pepper · bread basket · water pitcher · serving platter · seating plan · vase · condiments
Fabric dining surface protector
- napkinMealtime wiping cloth
- placematProtective dining surface cover
- coastersSmall pads under glasses
- napkin ringsBands for table linens
cutlery
Eating implements collectively
- flatwareEating utensils collectively
- dinnerwareVessels for serving meals
- glasswareDrinking containers of silica
plates · bowls · glasses · stemware · goblets · silverware · china · crystal · serving dishes · bread plate
hosting
Receiving guests socially
- guestsPeople received hospitably
- welcomeHospitable greeting offered
- gatheringCollection of people meeting
entertaining · feast · celebration · family dinner · invitation · mealtime · breaking bread · togetherness · occasion · Sunday lunch
etiquette
Rules of polite conduct
dinner party · fine dining · courses · reception · finger bowl · white glove
centerpiece
Decorative table focal point
- place settingArranged utensils for dining
- candlesWax lights with wicks
- candlesticksBases for tapers
flowers · salt and pepper · bread basket · water pitcher · serving platter · seating plan · vase · condiments
tablecloth
Fabric dining surface protector
napkin rings · napkin fold · serviette · place cards · trivets
lay the tableclear the table
Remove dishes after eating
clear away · clean up · do the dishes · wash up · tidy up
table, lays, laying, layer, layers, layered, tables, tabled, tabling