In the world of table etiquette, one of the most debated questions is: which side does the dessert spoon go on? It's a question that has puzzled many, and the answer might surprise you. Let's dive into the world of table settings and find out.
Understanding the Place Setting
Before we delve into the dessert spoon's placement, it's crucial to understand the basic place setting. A standard place setting includes a dinner plate, a salad plate, a bread plate, a water glass, a wine glass, and various utensils. The utensils are arranged in a specific order, with the most used items closest to the hand.
Dessert Utensils: Where They Belong
Dessert utensils, including the dessert spoon, are typically placed above the dinner plate, to the right of the fork. This is because, in Western culture, we start eating from the outside and work our way in. So, when the main course is over, you would naturally move to the right to pick up your dessert spoon.
Dessert Spoon Placement
The dessert spoon is usually placed to the right of the dessert fork, with the bowl of the spoon facing right. This is to ensure that when you pick up the spoon, your thumb naturally rests on the back of the bowl, providing a comfortable grip.
Why the Right Side?
You might be wondering why the dessert spoon goes on the right side, especially since we're right-handed. The answer lies in the way we eat. We start with the fork in our left hand and the knife in our right. Once we're done with the main course, we put down the knife and switch the fork to our right hand. The dessert spoon is then picked up with our right hand, allowing us to continue eating with our dominant hand.
Formal vs. Informal Settings
In formal settings, the dessert spoon might be placed to the right of the dessert fork, with the bowl facing left. This is to accommodate the French style of eating dessert, where the spoon is held in the left hand and the fork in the right. However, this is less common in Western cultures and is more of a nod to international etiquette.
What About the Dessert Fork?
While we're on the subject, let's not forget the dessert fork. It's placed to the right of the dinner fork, with the tines facing up. The dessert fork is used for cutting and serving dessert, while the spoon is used for eating it.
Table Setting Tips
- Always start with the dinner plate in the center, with the salad plate on top.
- Place the utensils in the order they will be used, from the outside in.
- For a more formal setting, consider using a charger plate. The charger plate is removed before the first course is served, revealing the dinner plate.
Remember, the key to a well-set table is not just about where each utensil goes, but also about creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. So, don't be afraid to experiment and make your table setting your own.
| Utensil | Placement |
|---|---|
| Dinner Fork | To the left of the plate |
| Dessert Fork | To the right of the dinner fork |
| Dessert Spoon | To the right of the dessert fork, bowl facing right |
More Details
22.04.2024 ... The cup handles should be at the four o'clock position for easy access. 🍽️ The dessert spoon (or knife) is laid on the table above the dinner ...
(i) Dessert Spoon and Fork: These can be placed either horizontally ... spoon goes on the right side of the plate, to the right of the dinner knife ...
25.11.2022 ... If dessert is in the cards, lay a dessert spoon sideways, facing your left, directly above your dinner plate. For desserts that call for a fork, ...
17.10.2023 ... It is considered to be “restaurant-style” to do so. Instead, the dessert fork and spoon align with the rest of the flatware on either side of ...
19.07.2025 ... Cutlery (often a fork and spoon, for pudding) should really only be set at the top of the place setting if there isn't enough space between ...
Dessert cutlery goes above the plate, the spoon above the fork, tines pointing to the right so they can be effortlessly moved down when the main course is ...
02.01.2026 ... Dessert utensils rest horizontally above the plate. The dessert spoon sits above the dessert fork. The spoon handle points right. The fork ...
If both a spoon and a cake fork are required for dessert, the cake fork should be placed closest to the plate with the handle pointing to the left side of the ...
At a formal event, the dessert fork is laid on the left side of the plate, and the dessert spoon (or knife) is placed on the right side of the plate. The diner ...
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In our illustration, soup is being served first, so the soup spoon goes to the far (outside) right of the dinner knife; the teaspoon or dessert spoon, which ...
The spoon is the perfect utensil for softer, creamier desserts like puddings, mousse, custards, ice cream, and soufflés.
until dessert spoons which go furthest to the right after knives and above soup spoons if applicable. If any specialty items are served such as oysters or ...
07.10.2025 ... Ever wonder where all the silverware goes when you are setting a table? Well, look no further. Our expert Victoria gives you the ...
25.02.2015 ... The flatware should align with the bottom rim of the dinner plate. Dessert forks and spoons are brought out when you serve dessert. The ...
At a formal event, the dessert fork is laid on the left side of the plate, and the dessert spoon (or knife) is placed on the right side of the plate. The diner ...
Lay dessert fork and spoon above the place setting with the fork pointing to the right and the spoon above the fork pointing to the left. Place side plates ...
19.07.2025 ... 27K likes, 522 comments - williamhanson on July 19, 2025: "Cutlery (often a fork and spoon, for pudding) should really only be set at the ...
28.04.2019 ... A dessert plate is never placed upon any other plate, not on a charger, and never ever on your used dinner plate (ewww). Your dessert cutlery ...
The handle must point to the hand that is used to pick up the respective flatware piece: The dessert fork tines point to the right and the spoon faces left.
20.10.2009 ... ... side, place the knife with the ... 1:29 When setting for the dessert course, remove everything except the water glass and dessert spoon. * ...
