Questions About Dining Tables & Buffet

1. Long rectangular dining tables:  When I tell my sim to set the table they can't or won't place settings in the middle.  If I add chairs at the ends the sim will place three settings at each end, leaving the middle empty.  Is this a known bug?  

2. Buffet Tables:  Serving food at a group Party Event, do you click on a meal and select 'Call To Meal'?  That's how I've done it and used one of the round tables with the drink or gravy fountain.  Am I missing another option?  I have mixed results serving food at events, especially weddings and funerals.  

3. How are you serving a multicourse meal for hosting a seated dinner?  The chef aspiration goal. 
Is there a way to serve a 3 course meal in stages - appetizer/soup, main, dessert?  Or do you put it all on the table and Call To Meal?  

Thanks for advice and feedback!