2006-12-28 08:19:23 · 11 answers · asked by shades_is_here_now_too 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Left side of the plate with the spoon and knife. Fork goes on the right. Don't know why, this was just taught to me by my grandmother.
2006-12-28 08:21:06 · answer #1 · answered by quatrapiller 6 · 1⤊ 7⤋
It was only a few days ago that I learned that only 0.1% of the world population is left-handed. But I've known for years that the correct setting of a table is for right-handed people. This is why the fork is placed to be held with the left hand and the knife is placed to be held with the right hand; you use the weaker hand (left) to hold still what you are eating while you use the stronger hand (right) to do the work, that is, to cut. Only after you cut a bite, you may change the fork to the right hand and take the food to your mouth. Likewise, the spoon is placed to be held with the right hand because that is the hand you should always hold it with.
In a formal table setting, the napkin can be rolled or folded and put on top of the plate. But in general, the napkin belongs closer to your right hand and that is where it should be placed (with the knife and spoon on top of it). This is not just for the setting of the table; it applies to the whole time you are sitting at the table and even when you leave the table (you lift the napkin from your lap and put it at the right side of your place). Besides, knowing the correct side to put your napkin avoids the person sitting next to you to use it and viceversa.
But personally I think that none of these details are important when the main purpose of sitting at a table is to enjoy the food and share a good conversation. No one will care about a wrongly placed napkin as long as everyone is having a good time.
As for left-handed people, I'm curious about if it's true that they have some superior abilities compared to the right-handed (for playing tennis, for instance), so maybe I'll post another question soon.
2006-12-28 10:18:11 · answer #2 · answered by Sebastian 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
A proper table setting has the napkin and forks on the left side of the plate and the spoons and knives on the right side of the plate. I do not know why, only that that is how it is. If you want to be really fancy you can put the silverware out (fork - left, others - right) and fold the napkin nicely placing it in the center of the plate (or use a napkin ring and do this).
2006-12-28 08:45:19 · answer #3 · answered by Goose&Tonic 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My mum has always placed the napkin, folded, under the knife on the right hand side of the plate. I have no idea why, but i pressume it's to make it easier for right handed people - i guess we automatically reach for the napkin with our right hand.
Now, for a formal dinner you can place the napkin in the middle of the plate, or in the water glass folded in a fancy shape, or even under the dessert spoon abve the plate. Hope that was helpful!
2006-12-28 08:30:58 · answer #4 · answered by sphocas 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The napkin goes on the right side of the plate with the knife(blade facing the plate) and the forks, the spoons go on the left side of the plate. Why, because this is dinnerware etiquette...
2006-12-28 08:26:25 · answer #5 · answered by Cat 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
for a formal dinner, the napkin goes in the center, where the plate would go. you remove it and place it on your lap when you sit down.
2006-12-28 08:23:16 · answer #6 · answered by Kutekymmee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Left in US...above plate in Germany
2006-12-28 08:33:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
quatra's grandmother must have been looking in the mirror. Fork goes on the left side, knife and spoon goes on the right, on top of the napkin.
2006-12-28 08:22:14 · answer #8 · answered by jinenglish68 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
ITs best if the napkin goes on your lap, it doesn't do much good on the table.
2006-12-28 08:57:03 · answer #9 · answered by I_Love_Life! 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Left side. I don't know why.
2006-12-28 08:28:03 · answer #10 · answered by drshorty 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋