Placement of the Utensils:
The utensils are positioned in a particular sequence depending on the order of usage in a single course. The plates are always placed in the center of the seat. The bread plate is set to the left of the plate with a butter knife placed across it. The water glass is placed above the knife, a wine glass to its right, and the salad or first course fork on the left of the plate.
The Dinner Fork:
When there’s a multi-coursed meal plan, the dinner fork is placed on the outside left of the plate. It is the largest-sized utensil with four tines used for the main course. The salad fork is then positioned on the left of the dinner fork. It has three tines and is smaller in size.
The Dinner Knife:
The dinner knife is placed to the right of the plate with the blade facing the plate and the sharp edge on the outside. It is the largest-sized utensil, with a broad blade and a pointed tip, used primarily for cutting meat. A fish knife is placed next to the dinner knife, specifically for fish enthusiasts. It has a spear-point blade with a serrated edge for distinct fish courses.
The Soup Spoon:
The soup spoon is placed to the right of the knife, with its bowl facing the table. It may be the largest spoon in the assortment. It is used for liquid appetizers, soup, and stew courses. A small butter knife is also added to the bread plate, with its blade facing downward.
The Dessert and Cheese Utensils:
The dessert spoon and fork are placed above the plate with the fork pointing left and the spoon pointing right. The fork is generally set facing upwards, with its tines pointing towards the right. Above the dessert utensils, a cheese knife is often provided, mostly for a cheese course.
The Conclusion:
In conclusion, meal settings are a crucial aspect of dining. It is essential to know how to place utensils on the table as it helps configure the type of meal and sets the mood for the meal experience. It is also essential that the silverware is suitable in size, not too small and not too significant. The knives, forks, and spoons should have an appropriate weight that’s easy to hold and maneuver, without bending or cramping fingers. Moreover, beaming silverware that showcases the splendor of the meal adds elegance to the dining room ambiance. Delightful dining to you!