Try not to set out any flatware that diners will not be using; this only creates confusion. The one basic exception is the spoon, which completes the basic knife-fork-spoon combo. Place a spoon whether the meal requires one or not.

2torial #0608: Learn2 Set a Table (Continued) Understand the basics Rule 1. Everyone at the table gets a placesetting, whether or not they intend to eat. Anyone can change their mind at the last minute, and only a careless host or hostess would be caught unprepared. Rule 2. Flatware is placed evenly on either side of the plate in a manner comfortable to use by a right-handed person (sorry lefties, this one never varies). Forks go on the left, knives and spoons on the right. The cutting edge of the knife should point towards the plate. Spoons go to the outside of knives. Rule 3. Place the flatware in the order it will be used, with the first utensils set furthest away from the plate. The idea is to avoid rooting around for the appropriate fork or confusing your guests. Step 3