Which side does the fork go on?

In formal and informal table settings, forks always go on the left-hand side of a plate. If a setting requires multiple forks, the fork used first goes on the farthest left side, with the rest arranged in order of use.

Spoons and knives go on the right-hand side of a plate, with the first to be used on the farthest right side of the setting. Handles should face the diner, and knives should be set with the sharp side pointing toward the plate. Fork tines and spoon bowls should face upward.

In some place settings, the dessert fork and spoon are placed above the plate. In this case, the fork should have tines on the right side, and the spoon should point left.