set the table
lay the table BrE

I set the table the same way all the time.

You've set the table at least once in your life, right?

She set the table by the large window in the living room.

"Now get out of here and let me set the table for your dinner."

Set the table two days ahead, market and cook the day before.

They set the table for the big guys who follow.

"In a few minutes you can set the table," she called back.

Last night she'd found herself setting the table for two people.

The others did the same, and set the table on its legs again.

That does set the table for at least a discussion.

She brought a couple of dishes over and set the table.

"My brother set the table for me even better than Dad did."

True, but it helps to have them set the table.

She'd had David set the table in the dining room.

And then you've got to set the table up for breakfast the next day.

He set the table for the officers and put the food on it.

Then it is time to set the table in the dining room.

"Now that we have things straight, you can set the table."

I told Pop and called the girls to set the table.

I set the table for three and Dad finally spoke.

Then he set the table so it would look as if he'd had a big meal.

She set the table then walked over to the refrigerator.

As we were setting the table, she reached out and put her hand on my arm.

"In fact I got up early that morning to set the table.

"I guess you can help me set the table, too."

Is it possible to lay the table do you think, for me?

But when she turned round, he was laying the table.

I should go down and lay the table, thought Marion.

The girl came in and laid the table for supper.

I cut up vegetables for Kate and lay the table.

He helped her lay the table, but didn't say a word.

She went on laying the table, but her hands trembled.

Now, you sit there and enjoy your drink while I lay the table.

She laid the table, but it was no use preparing the salad yet.

At the lower end of the hall the women were laying the table for the evening meal.

She was laying the table with their wedding present glass and silver.

"Never mind that, it will make laying the table all the more interesting.

While they had been speaking, the woman had laid the table.

Sophia was in the kitchen, laying the table for supper.

I cleared away the lunch things and laid the table here as you see for supper.

Eight o'clock - my mother wants me to lay the table and get breakfast ready.

"Well, I started the coffee, then laid the table for his breakfast.

Back home, I made a macaroni cheese and laid the table in the kitchen.

But I wouldn't trust her to lay the table, let alone the plans for an invasion.

I laid the table with great care and bought fresh roses to match the china.

He came home and he just laid the table, very impressive.

Anna's big eyes smiled at him unanswered as she laid the table.

The lad began hastily to lay the table, and directly the three sat down.

Then he laid the table for the evening meal.

For some reason she found herself obsessed with the idea that she should get up to lay the table.