How to Eat Dessert

For many of us, dessert is the favorite course of the meal. There's always something to love about dessert!

The dessert utensils are located at the top of your place setting. When your dessert consists of both harder and softer textures, a fork and spoon will be included and both will be used.
Tip: The spoon is not for your coffee or tea.

Etiquettefully Eating Dessert

The meal has ended, and dessert has been served.
Once dessert is served, move the spoon and fork down to either side of the plate, placing the fork on the left and spoon on the right. (In a very elegant setting, sometimes a server will do this for you.)
The fork is placed in the palm of the left hand and the spoon is placed in the palm of the right hand.
The spoon first serves as a knife and the fork is used to steady the solid portion of the dessert.
The spoon is then re-positioned in the right hand, holding in ‘pencil’ position. The fork becomes a ‘mover’ assisting in positioning both the cake and the ice cream onto the spoon.
The fork as a helper tool will remain steady in the left hand, and the spoon is loaded with a delicious bite. (In other words, only the spoon will come to your mouth. The fork remains in your left hand.)

Resting and Close-out Positions for the Dessert Course

The dessert resting position is your fork on the left side of the plate, and your spoon on the right as shown here.

The close-out position is the same as other courses, with fork and spoon diagonal on the plate, or in the 6 o'clock position.

When setting the table, include only the utensils needed to eat the dessert that is to be served. If the dessert is solid such as a cake or pie, you only need a fork. If your dessert is liquid or soft like a pudding, ice cream or gelato, you only need a spoon.

Serve cake and ice cream or pie a la mode at your next family meal, and practice using both a fork and a spoon to enjoy your dessert. It will be a fun challenge that is sure to encourage lively dinner conversation.