I am pretty good at this but what do 3 forks mean?

Question

Hi, help me here. So, you're sitting on a dinner table and you have 3 forks.

Usually there are 2 forks.

1) Salad fork.
2) Main course fork.
3) The top of the plate is for dessert spoon and fork.

What the heck is the 3rd fork for? Fish? And is it possible to set a fish fork and not serve fish?

Answer 1

Typically the third fork very delicate and is for fish or shellfish, and typically the flatware for dessert is above your plate.

HOWEVER, some people only put a dessert spoon above the plate and a dessert fork alongside the plate. It's a confusing world out there, eh?

Just remember to move from outside in and you should be fine.

Answer 2

You can have a shrimp fork, or a fork for an appetizer

You can also have an extra fork if there are going to be several "main" courses - like a fish course, a fowl course, a beef course.

Sometimes the size or shape of the fork can give you a clue.

When in doubt, move slowly and watch the other guests. See what they do first.

Answer 3

A table is set according to the anticipated courses for that particular meal.

The fork at the far outside is the first to be used.

You don't always have to have 3 forks. For a lighter or single course meal, one fork is fine, and proper etiquette.
.

Answer 4

Shrimp or seafood, baby!