I keep a spare cup in a discreet drawer, so if the coffee’s a touch too warm the guest can swap without fuss. Each place has its own little set‑up, so the table reads like a tidy playlist. My schedule is the same—every task has a slot, every cup a place, and I’ve learned that the quiet charm comes from knowing the right thing will be there, even if I’m always a few minutes off.

Always have a spare slot, just in case a midnight coffee turns into an impromptu brainstorming session. The charm comes from a little leeway, so the table stays elegant even when the tide changes.