A formal dining table plan will often have a whole suite of knives, forks and spoons to use with each course. Being able to tell them apart is an important lesson that will save you both confusion and embarrassment in social situations.

In times of doubt, always fall back on two recourses. First, work from `outside in’. In other words, choose the outermost pieces of cutlery as each course arrives because the setting is always planned that way. Second, take a couple of moments to see which pieces your dinner companions are choosing from the set, before you pick up your own.

The infographic below explains each piece of cutlery you are likely to have to use at a formal, multi-course dinner. Memorize them well, and you’ll never be caught off guard with your table manners again.

Infographic: What The Fork?