Write an article based on this "Determine which dishes will fit which food items. Disperse condiments evenly. Set up a dessert station away from the dinner table. Add the chairs around the table."
Arrange the empty dishes around the table, taking care not to encroach on any one guest's personal space. Pair each dish with its serving utensil at this point, too. If any guests are bringing food, transfer it to a dish that you already own and account for it in the table setup. Leave nothing to chance. Each guest should have easy access to salt, pepper, butter, gravy, cranberries, and other condiments. The rule of thumb is to provide one condiment for every six people. Also include a pitcher or two of water if you have room. You shouldn't incorporate any plates or silverware for dessert, nor cups for coffee or tea. Instead, keep that collection of things separate but within easy access for a post-dinner pick-me-up. Now that you aren't running around the table as much, set up the chairs. If your chairs don't match, arrange them in a way that balances out the eye when you're looking at it from afar. Place chairs that don't fit in among the everyday chairs.