Dining Etiquette

"Marsha-

I was recently at a dinner that had a small fork on the rght side...what is it for?

JoAnna, South Carolina"

Jo Anna,

The "oyster", or "cocktail fork", is the only fork that can be placed on the right side. It is used to eat an appetizer, shrimp or oyster. Typically, it rests in the bowl of the soup spoon.