Etiquette for Flatware Placement

Basic Table Setting of the flatware.

A. Beginning of Meal

B. Main Course

c. Dessert and Beverage

There are a few easy-to-learn guides to correct position of the flatware as you place it on the table.

1. Place the utensils in a position so that they may be picked up to use from the outside, working toward the plate.

2. Only place the pieces on the table that are going to be used for that meal.

3. Place knives to the right of the plate with cutting edge toward the plate.

4. Place soupspoons to the right of knife and oyster fork to the right of soupspoon (if one is used).

5. If salad is to be eaten after the main course, place salad fork on left nearest the plate, then dinner fork outside of it.

6. If butter plates are used, the butter knife is laid across the top of the plate.

7. Place all the flatware an inch from the edge of the table. If a placemat is used, place the flatware an inch from the edge of the placemat.

8. Place the utensils evenly and straight.

9. The coffee spoon and dessert fork may be brought in with the coffee and dessert, or may be placed in front of the dinner plate.

To seat your guests comfortably you should allow about twenty-four inches for each place setting.

— From Patricia Kroh’s 1966 book, “Contemporary Table Settings” 

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia