1
general::
Also, lay the table. Arrange a cloth, plates, glasses, silverware and the like for a meal, as in Please set the table for eight tonight. [Late 1300s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): set the table
to place plates, glasses, napkins, etc., on the table before a meal. (The opposite of clear the table.) • Jane, would you please set the table? • I’m tired of setting the table. Ask someone else to do it.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs