set the table
lay the table BrE

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

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.

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

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

I cut up vegetables for Kate and lay the table.

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

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

I went into the kitchen and was surprised to see the table still laid for breakfast.