Where should knives be positioned on the table?

Knives should be positioned to the right side of the plate with the cutting end facing toward the plate. This arrangement allows for proper use of the knife during a meal, as it is ready for the diner to use it effectively while eating. The cutting edge pointing toward the plate ensures safety and prevents accidental injury when reaching for the knife or while dining. It also maintains a clean and organized appearance on the table, aligning with standard table-setting etiquette.

The other positions are less practical or contravene traditional dining conventions. For example, placing knives to the left of the plate would confuse diners regarding proper use and may cause discomfort during the meal. Positioning knives above the plate could lead to them being easily knocked over or misused, while having knives in front of the dining guest does not provide the flow necessary for a comfortable dining experience. Thus, keeping knives at the right side with the cutting edge facing the plate is the most suitable and conventional practice.