setting the table
Preparing for meals
Setting the table is the act of arranging dishes, utensils, glasses, and napkins on a dining table in preparation for a meal.
The phrase covers everything from casual placement of a few items to elaborate formal arrangements with multiple forks, spoons, and specialty glasses.
Can you help by setting the table while I finish cooking?
The task is often assigned to children as an early household responsibility.
- silverwareMetal eating utensils
- cupSmall drinking container
- placematProtective dining surface cover
- bowlConcave food container
- centerpieceDecorative table focal point
napkin · linen napkin · napkin folding · etiquette · charger · fork · salad fork · flatware · formal dining · arrangement · dinner party · family meal · holiday dinner · layout · knife · butter knife · tablecloth · tea ceremony