How do get consistent Word cell border sizes

Question

I'm trying to get consistent cell border sizes, but am having difficultly doing so. I'm used to the simplicity of HTML tables and cell.

I have three tables:

1. two-column, multi-row table (orange) - acts as a container for other tables; border will be hidden in final version; margin (white space) should be 0.08" on each size of #2
2. one-column, one-row table (red) - provides a colored border for #3 with a 0.04" margin on each size of #3
3. one-column, three-row table (green) - the content

Problems:

1. green table should always be the width of #2 (less the margins); it isn't
2. there should be a margin between green and red table; there isn't
3. orange table should always have a consistent top and bottom margin; I had to manually size the row

Questions:

1. is there an auto-size feature would size the red table to the interior margin of the orange table? same with the green table?
2. for my purposes, is it better to use default cell margins or default cell spacing?
3. is there a trick to grab the table handles [+]? they disappear when the mouse approaches them.

Answer 1

1. To autosize a table within a table, right-click and choose "Autofit"-> "Autofit to Window". This will expand the table horizontally to the size of its container (and retain margins).

2. I would think Cell Margins are more flexible as you can pick which direction. Cell spacing is 1 size in all directions

3. For the handle to stay up, hover or click inside the table, then head to the handle (staying inside the table on your way there).