配膳 (haizen) means “setting the table”

More examples

給食当番の子どもたちは、教室で配膳を手伝います。kyū shoku tō ban no ko do mo ta chi wa kyō shitsu de hai zen o te tsuda i ma su

The children on lunch duty help serve the food in the classroom.

Refers to preparing a meal by placing the necessary dishes and food where they belong.

膳立てzendate: Preparation for a meal, including arranging the dishes and other needed items.

食事の前に食器や料理を食卓に並べること。shoku ji no mae ni shok ki ya ryō ri o shoku taku ni nara be ru ko to

配膳 (haizen) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 配 (hai, "distribute") and 膳 (zen, "dining tray"), referring to food and tableware arranged for serving.

In a Japanese restaurant, 配膳 (haizen) can include bringing prepared dishes to diners, so it is not limited to placing plates before a meal.