901. Preparing the Table in Advance

Shabbos 30:4

One may not schedule a meal or a banquet for Friday out of respect for Shabbos. One is technically permitted to eat and drink until nightfall but it is respectful to Shabbos to avoid planning a meal for Friday afternoon so that one will enter Shabbos with an appetite.

Shabbos 30:5

One should prepare his Shabbos table on Friday even if he is only going to eat an olive-sized portion of food. Similarly, one should prepare his table on Saturday night (for melave malka – the post-Shabbos meal) even if he is only going to eat an olive-sized portion. This shows respect for Shabbos on its arrival and its departure. One should prepare his house while it is still day out of respect for Shabbos. There should be a burning lamp, a table of food to eat and a couch covered with spreads. Each of these is a means of expressing honor for Shabbos.