Proper silverware placement is achieved by placing the forks, knives and spoons next to the plate from left to right. The fork is placed on the left side of the plate, and the knife and spoon are on the right.
According to Taste of Home, a formal meal may include the addition of a salad fork, butter knife and dessert spoon. Going from left to right, place the salad fork on the left, farthest from the plate. Place the dinner fork on the left next to the plate. To the right of the plate, place the knife next to the plate, followed by the two spoons.
