Three into two won’t go

Does anyone else get annoyed when you book a table for three people, and find that you are squeezed around a table designed for two? The intimacy is usually fine, and drinks fit on the table, although thereafter, there is no room for the menus. But that’s a minor inconvenience. You chatter away, sip on the drinks, and order food. And that’s where it all goes wrong. How are three settings, three or more dishes to share, perhaps also a salad and a vegetable dish, bread, and water and wine glasses all meant to fit on a table designed for two people? 

Last week, at a table at one of my favourite restaurants, everything didn’t fit, and a glass hit the floor. The food was delicious, the wine was great, and the company was enjoyable, but cramped quarters spoiled some of the fun. It was hard to share food as we had planned, and it kept you on edge, worrying about knocking something over. Crash! Down it went. Smithereens. Dustpan and broom. And I experienced a flicker of annoyance as all eyes fell on our table. 

We didn’t mean to do it! We’re not drunk! It wasn’t carelessness!

The table was simply too small to fit three diners.