Set the table by pre-positioning any necessary objects. The goal of the dinner table magic trick is to relax the audience while seemingly using the ordinary everyday things on the table.
Talk to the audience and be sure to make eye contact. Making eye contact distracts the audience and allows the magician the opportunity for slight of hand. Due to the more intimate nature of dinner table magic tricks, the audience must be willing to trust.
Perform the first dinner table magic trick before eating. This should be something that can be set up quickly and is easily understood by the audience. The ending to the first trick should prepare the audience for the second trick.
Tell the audience that the second magic trick will come at the end of the meal and give them subtle hints as to the nature of the trick.