Etiquette for Used Utensil Placement

At the end of the meal the knife and fork should be placed together, fork left, knife right with the blade facing in, across the center of the plate so there is no danger of their falling off when the plate is removed.

“DEAR MISS VANDERBILT: Will you please tell me the proper place for the knife during a meal after it has once been used? Also, where should the silver be placed at the finish of a meal? I do not like to see the knife propped on the side of the plate with the handle on the table.” — M. J., , South Bend, Ind.

“The knife should be placed across the, top right rim of the plate while not in use. At the end of the meal the knife and fork should be placed together, fork left, knife right with the blade facing in, across the center of the plate so there is no danger of their falling off when the plate is removed. The knife and fork are put in this position, too, when a plate is passed to the host or hostess for second servings.” — Amy Vanderbilt, in the Oakland Tribune, 1965

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