Gary, I'm old school.
So I went researching, found numerous articles, they all were done the way I was taught...
I guess this is like the History Professor said "His Story"...
Then again, I watch Norm and have watched Norm Since he first showed up on This Old House and he put up with a young, pushy Bob Villa... Anytime Norm makes any panel, he arranges grain and flips every other board to get a flat even panel. No matter if he's using breadboard ends.
Here's just one I "borrowed"...
Assembling the Top
The table top will be assembled from several individual pieces of wood and glued together edge to edge. The three pieces will be longer and wider than the dimensions indicated in the plans. The top will then be cut to exact specifications. Be certain that the edges are properly jointed with no space between the boards. If done correctly, the glue lines will be hard to notice.
Arrange the top boards so that the grain is pleasing to you, then mark them according to their location. The videotape shows you how to alternate the annular rings on each piece of board. This arrangement allows for any cupping or warping and ensures the tabletop will remain flat.
Joint the edges if needed. Use either a stationary or hand jointer, both use a cutter that planes the edges smooth and square, Note: If you don't have a jointer, a table saw is the next best thing for smoothing rough edges. A hand jointer plane does a good job, but requires a greater degree of skill. Whichever method of jointing you use:
Check your edges for squareness before you start gluing.
Smooth out any roughness with sandpaper to your satisfaction.
Glue pieces together with yellow carpenters glue. This glue is usually stronger than the wood itself. Place glue on the piece evenly and on both sides. Once you have begun gluing, spread it evenly across the joint and don't stop until you are finished. Avoid getting glue on the surface of the table.
Put waxed paper on the top and bottom of the table to make sure the clamps are not glued to your tabletop.
Apply clamps for pressure to make the tabletop as flat as possible. Look for a slight squeeze out of glue which indicates adequate pressure.