Clear <away> the table

[Mr. Tom 1]

Hi

Could you please tell me if clear and clear away mean the same thing here?

Please clear the table before the guests come.
Please clear away the table before the guests come.

Thanks,

Tom

 

[cidertree]

Clear the table means to remove objects that are on the table.
Clear away the table should mean to remove the table itself.

 

[Reina de la Aldea]

Clear the table (can be said before or after the meal).
Clear away the mess on the table (also can be said before or after the meal)