I always plate the food. It's the fun part of cooking. Looks nice and less dishes to wash. Though reading oldpenny's post brings back fond memories of holiday dinners past. :)

Yes to the wine!
 

Sometimes it seems that all I do is cook and do dishes, but I think we are healthier for it.

We have a tradition out here in the West of feeding people. Anyone who is here at mealtime is offered a meal. We always eat at the table. I won't even discuss people eating off the breakfast bar in the kitchen.

Also we eat together as much as possible.

Thanksgiving is a cooperative effort. I've added a pumpkin soup receipe I got in Australia to the menu.

Yes it would save dish washing if I plated the food, but the idea doesn't appeal to me at all.

I wish I could say I spent a lot of time on the "presentation" when feeding the family, but it's usually buffet style - pans on the stove, plates in a stack, everyone serves themselves. Fewer dishes that way. I have also been known to eat a sandwich over the sink and encourage my husband to do the same. That being said, my parents always always always sit down formally for each and every meal including breakfast. It must be generational or a retirement thing. It drives me crazy when they start talking about what's for lunch at the breakfast table. I wish I had time to think that far ahead... ;)

It depends on what I or my S/O are making. If she is trying out a new recipe and is experimenting then yes, she plates the food.

If we are having a simple dinner that is easily served from bowls or plates, then we put them on the table and serve ourselves.

I tend to plate for special occasions...but usually, everything is served family style, either on the table or from the counter.

But...I also eat over the sink, out of the pan, or on the couch out of the takeout container. :)

When I'm eating by myself it's about 50/50. When my kids are over, 100% of the time we plate the food.

Having cooked to pay my way through college, I've really gotten into the habit of plating food just about every time I make something, alone or with company. It really does add something to the psychology of eating.

I am so glad that we are not alone.
Our table is always set, and in the dining room.
And with cloth napkins also, glassware, china and silver, yes it is silver.
What do we have it for?
Our china cabinet never gets dusty, it's in use !!

As a bachelor my silver(two sets)sit in a cabinet next to my unused table linens and serving pieces.My "good"crystal(service for 16) just gets grimy in a cabinet.I do use "good"stainless(cuzon) and very nice china every day however.
Since I help entertain for work-I just have lost all drive to do so in my home as well.More often than not I just suggest going out for a meal rather than entertain in my home.My friends used to love coming to my place for meals and often ask when is it going to happen again.

As I live out on the Texas prairie (dusty), I don't keep the table set as such, but as we use it for supper and dinner there aren't many hours of the day when it is out of use.

I always "plate" the food. The presentation, especially for guests, is a key component. It doesn't make the food any more nutritious, and it doesn't make the food taste better, but it makes it look even better, and it's something anyone can do.

You have to put food on the plate so I would think everyone plates the food. Whether they do it consistently on each plate or not and with any flair is another story.

I am really into food presentation. I think it enhances the dining experience.

When I'm at home by myself I don't worry too much about presentation . . . but I do use my favorite plates.

When someone comes over (even 1 person who's been over 100 times), I usually "plate" the food and have fun with interesting ceramics and food presentation techniques.

Yes I always plate the food and always always wipe the drips. Silver plate for everday, sterling for special occasions and cloth napkins always - very green!

We usually eat family style but always at the dining room table and no TV during meal time.