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Forks go on the left side of the plate.
The napkin can go on the left side of the plate, on the plate, above the plate, or on the right side of the plate. Most traditionally the napkin is placed under the fork/forks on the left side of the plate.
There was only an ort of food left on my plate.
It is a way of setting the table according to tsar's rules. It is similar to that used in formal dining, with a placemat placed on top of the tablecloth, a charger plate and silverware placed in the order it is to be used. The food is served from the left, plates and the silver removed from the right.
they were fed scrapes of food left on their owners plate
I was taught to lay your fork across the plate and place the knife in the tongs of the fork. It is a clear signal that you have finished your meal and when someone clears the plate, the utensils do not slide all over the place. I learned this at Mississippi State College for Women in Columbus, MS.
My food is cold because I left it on my plate too long, before eating it. I got distracted.
The American Style is the one that the waiter serves the guest from the left with the right hand, goes clockwise around the table, and start serving the lady sitting to the left of the host/ess. I learned in one of my classes that are part of the culinary program that I am taking in College.Another answerThis a style which is for everyday family use. It is not necessarily characteristic of American life. It originated from the practice when people helped themselves to food from a common pot. It is essentially a type of service from the table when platters of food with are placed in the middle of the table on hot pads. The person nearest the dish may pass it on the next person, on the right. After each one has been served, the platters are placed back in the middle of the table. The menu consists of the usual meal pattern of the family and the number of courses depending upon the budget.
Forks go on the left, knifes on the right and dessert spoon goes above the plate on the table. Soup spoon goes on the right, out side the knife.
Since more people are right handed, you serve from the right , as some dishes require two hand to transfer the food to your plate in formal service. Remove from the left when possible , but if someone is seated in an awkward to reach spot, do the best you can. Try to NEVER reach across the table or squash an adjacent guest.
There is no set rule for the placement of a dinner plate, but a good host will set a salad or bread/roll plate to the top left and a soup bowl and plate can be placed upon the top of the dinner plate if desired. A glass of water and/or wine can be placed at the top right.
You place forks on the left side of the plate. A napkin may go on top of the plate.