The short answer. Down the middle: a platter for the ham, a covered bowl for rice or pancit, a plate for queso de bola, a pitcher for drinks. For each person: a plate, a bowl and a cup. Keep the plates in one form and let the glazes vary. See The Table for handmade stoneware serving pieces made in the Philippines.
The shared dishes
- Ham and roasts: a deep serving plate or platter.
- Rice, pancit, spaghetti: a covered bowl keeps them warm while everyone gathers; see Tasyo.
- Queso de bola and fruit: a flat plate or a shallow bowl.
- Drinks: a pitcher for water, juice or tsokolate; see Pitsel.
- Tea or salabat after midnight: a teapot and small cups.
For each person
A plate, a bowl for soup or rice, and a cup. For a long table of family, count everyone who will sit plus two, and set the children's places with the same pieces as the adults: it is the meal everyone remembers.
Laying it out
Shared dishes run down the centre, in reach of every seat. Keep the tallest pieces, the pitcher and the teapot, at the ends so people can see across. Plates in one glaze, serving pieces in another: Sand plates with a Rust pitcher and covered bowl reads warm under Christmas lights.
A gift for the host
If you are a guest rather than the host, bring something for their table: a pitcher, a covered bowl, or a boxed pair of cups. See gifts for the host.