What is the standard way to position a dessert fork and spoon on the table?

The standard way to position a dessert fork and spoon is above the dinner plate. This placement is part of traditional table setting etiquette, which dictates that utensils that will be used later in the meal are often placed above the plate. Specifically, the dessert fork is typically positioned horizontally in front of the diner, while the dessert spoon can be placed above it, ready for use after the main course.

This method ensures that diners have easy access to their utensils without having to reach across the table or disturb the layout of their place setting. Additionally, positioning them above the plate maintains a clean and organized table appearance, which is an important aspect of formal dining etiquette.

The other options involve placements that are not standard for dessert utensils. For example, placing them to the left or right of the dinner plate would imply that they are part of the main course setting, which may lead to confusion during the meal. Thus, having the dessert utensils above the dinner plate is the established convention.