Placement

• Place the plate in the center with the napkin and fork to the left. The knife and spoon are placed to the right of the plate, with the knife closest to the plate, blade facing towards to the plate.
  
  

Considerations

• The napkin is placed either to the left of the fork or decoratively in the center of the plate.
  
  

Tips

• To remember which side to place bread and drinks, create the letters "b" and "d" with your hands, touching your middle finger to your thumb. Your left hand forms the letter "b," reminding you that the bread plate is placed to the left; your right hand forms the letter "d," reminding you that the drinks are placed on the right side. The water glass is always placed directly above the knife.
  
  

Formal Dining

• Formal dining frequently requires the use of more utensils and more dishes. The key to using the proper fork and drinking glass is to work your way in from the outside. If more than three courses will be served, the final utensil will accompany the dessert.
  
  

Options

• The bread plate and knife are optional equipment to the basic table setting.