Setting the table

[JAS_OH1]

A lot of slightly upscale casual eateries here in the US wrap the cutlery in a cloth napkin these days so takes out the guess work for some people. That drives me nuts because I don't like my utensils to touch a bare table (no tablecloth) but want to put my napkin in my lap, of course, so I usually use my bread plate (if there is one) to place my fork, knife, etc. on. But sometimes no bread plate.

I notice these days a lot of people don't put their napkins in their laps. I taught my kids to do that.

 

[Barriehie]

This somewhat effete gentleman has got it right on the button here.
Proper table settings
I've a feeling that, in Mediaeval times, forks were not used; only knives (and hands). The knife was always placed for the dominant hand, which was the right hand; left handers were considered suspicious and even ungodly. Logically, I suppose, when the fork came into practice, the only place for it was on the left of the plate.

Butter knives were invented since people bringing real knives to the table, and then fighting over food, often ended poorly for someone. You had to check your knife before entering to eat!

 

[Barriehie]

A lot of slightly upscale casual eateries here in the US wrap the cutlery in a cloth napkin these days so takes out the guess work for some people. That drives me nuts because I don't like my utensils to touch a bare table (no tablecloth) but want to put my napkin in my lap, of course, so I usually use my bread plate (if there is one) to place my fork, knife, etc. on. But sometimes no bread plate.

I notice these days a lot of people don't put their napkins in their laps. I taught my kids to do that.

Lots of rude and stupid out there.

 

[JAS_OH1]

Butter knives were invented since people bringing real knives to the table, and then fighting over food, often ended poorly for someone. You had to check your knife before entering to eat!

I think a butter knife could still probably do some damage. Pretty gross that at one time someone just wiped the blood off their knife on their pants or kilt and then used it to cut into food.

 

[Barriehie]

I think a butter knife could still probably do some damage. Pretty gross that at one time someone just wiped the blood off their knife on their pants or kilt and then used it to cut into food.

Back then it only mattered if it was poop!

 

[JAS_OH1]

Back then it only mattered if it was poop!

I am not sure I want to know how poop got onto a knife. Hopefully there were leaves or something to wipe with?