So if I wanted a "square" two seats facing each other in 2nd class with a table, I will be able to book through the website? Like I said I have not gone that far in the booking process yet but want to know how to book properly when I do. It sounds like anywhere from 45 min to 1 hour leaves enough leeway time to arrive without rushing.

So if I wanted a "square" two seats facing each other in 2nd class with a table, I will be able to book through the website?>>>

Yes.

After many trips i do not recall all that many such squares in second class so if so act early - or maybe my dementia is kicking in?

anyway in some cases the cheapest first-class ticket can be not much more than the cheapest available standard-class ticket IME - so if the difference is say $20-30 or so then the meal itself in first class, not to mention the free booze may make first-class in that scenario a better deal - i have see such fares on some of my fare searches in the past

All,

You will find this interesting:

If you are from the US, and go onto the eurostar website as previously suggested and type as a UK resident then you do have the option of selecting your seat preference of square for 4 people. Of course for Americans, you have to pay in pounds and deal with exchange rate and credit card fees.

If you go to the raileurope site, you can not pre-select for a square as it does not give you the option. The computer will generate a seat assignment for you. I called their 1 800 number and spoke with someone who quoted me higher rates per ticket for the same day and time as I can get on-line about $13 extra per ticket. As people have said before, calling by phone they add a service charge. In addition, the shipping charge is higher via phone service also $33 vs. $18 on line. Doesn't make sense to have that much of a mark up for phone service. I hung up without even checking if a square was available because she would have to formally go through the whole booking process with names etc before she could even find out if it was available. Sounded like a good idea but not worth the extra fees involved.

the only agency i know of where you can talk to someone who is not only an expert on Eurostar but can manually book seat selections is the alternative source i gave for any RailEurope product - one of their agents www.budgeteuropetravel.com - Byron there IME is especially helpful on the phone and there is no fee like at RailEurope - but if you can book the squares on eurostar.com then that should be your best fare - usually but not always and that's why i suggest always to check and compare both sources.