Depends on what we’re having. If a main course is some sort of baked dish such as lasagne, I’ll put it on the table in the dining room. The meat course usually goes on the table. We ordinarily serve the starch and the vegetables from the stove. Salad always goes on the table.
But sometimes I put everything in serving dishes and bring it to the dining table just to make it a little nicer and let everybody practice passing things politely.
And I do always set the table, not a full, formal setting, of course, but plates, silverware, and napkins for everybody.
I light candles on the table every night, even when we’re just having soup and sandwiches or pizza.
Family dinnertime is a less stable custom than it used to be when my sons were younger, but even being honored in the breach counts for something. I think it’s immeasurably important for the family members to sit down together once a day.
No one has ever been barred from or sent from our table. Any guest on hand is always included. But if someone is late or chooses not to come, we no longer wait for them as we used to do. If they miss out, they can look for leftovers later.