Where are forks placed on the table?

Forks are traditionally placed on the left side of the plate in formal dining settings. This practice follows established table-setting etiquette, which dictates that the utensils should be arranged according to their order of use. Since forks are generally used before knives in a typical meal, placing forks on the left allows diners to easily access them with their left hand.

This arrangement reflects the common practice in many cultures where the fork is considered the primary utensil for the initial course of a meal, such as salads or appetizers. Additionally, in a full table setting, knives are placed to the right of the plate, allowing for a clear distinction between the utensils used for different types of food and ensuring that diners can navigate their place settings efficiently.