[Sueann]

"start with the inside utensil and work your way out"

Ohhh! I was always taught, start with the outside fork or spoon and work your way IN. The reason is, the unusual silverware is usually removed with the bowl or plate and is no longer in the way. The large spoon was for the crab soup so it was on the outside. The salad fork would have been on the outside because it would have been the next course, leaving only the dinner fork (and perhaps a dessert fork). Anybody else have any instructions for place settings.

[wimpycat]

Ohhh! I was always taught, start with the outside fork or spoon and work your way IN.

That's what I was taught, too. Of course, I've never encountered more than one spoon, two forks and a knife before. I've never been to a dinner that fancy before.

[AppyPappy]

When invited to a formal dinner, it helps to look up the rules.

[The Wizard]

I too was taught from out to in.....makes sense.....

[Wright is right!]

"Ohhh! I was always taught, start with the outside fork or spoon and work your way IN. The reason is, the unusual silverware is usually removed with the bowl or plate and is no longer in the way."

You are correct. It appears that this oh-so-erudite "author" has never even been on a cruise ship. Table settings in the dining rooms are formal, with a complement of 3 forks, 3 spoons, 2 knives, and silver for whatever appetizers are on the menu. After you order, any silver in the place setting that doesn't apply to what you've ordered is REMOVED. And you go outside-in.

Sheesh.

Michael

[Quilla]

I was raised in a monarchy - my mother's reign. She was adament about proper table settings and I believe you are correct, when in doubt, start from the outside moving in toward the plate. My dining room table is set, as we speak, with three forks, two spoons, and two knives. My children think I'm nuts, and I suspect they are correct.

I am certain that Mrs. Bush was a perfect hostess and I would have loved to have attended.

[Bigg Red]

Anybody else have any instructions for place settings

My training concurs with yours. I suspect daisy mistyped.