How to Figure Out Which Fork to Use at a Fancy Dinner Party

You have been invited to your boss’s house for dinner, and when it comes time to eat and all you can see is a bunch of forks, plates and knives. You'd like to take the sharpest knife on the table and punch it through your gut. Remain calm and remember what you're about to learn.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Start from the left. As courses are served, forks are used from the left. In a basic salad to entrée meal, the salad fork would be placed to the left of the entrée fork. And forks are always put on the left side of the plate.

2. Continue from the left. At a formal dinner party, someone will come by after each course to clear plates, and they will take the used silverware with them.

3. Count on dessert, but don’t worry about it. You will get a clean fork. And, probably the fork will be on the plate when dessert is served or laid horizontal to the dessert plate.

Tips & Warnings

• Few people understand the complicated ritual of a formal dinner. Thankfully, some say, it is a dying art. Never feel inadequate when faced with such a social event. Remember, it is the job of the host to make you feel comfortable and welcome. If you're not sure about which utensil to use, pause and follow your host's lead.