3 prong fork vs. 4 prong fork

[Lana]

What is the difference between a 3 and 4 prong fork? (besides a prong for all you smarties out there!!!)

I know the real short fork is for dessert...but what is the diff between 3 and 4 prongs?

[Anneke]

Your 3-prong might be a seafood fork.

[Lana]

OK...I was thinking pasta, but I'll buy seafood.

Thanks! I have been wondering that for years. Some restaurants have 3 prongs but most have 4, so there hasn't been any real clues to pick up on.

[castironchef]

Unless the three tined fork has the outside tines spread out an an angle (which would be a sea food fork), the only difference between three tine and four tined forks is style.

You'll find both salad and main course sized forks in each "set," and both will have either three or four tines.

When in doubt at fancy dinners, use the "outside to inside" rule. Use the utensils at the extreme left and extreme right with your first course and work your way in with each succeeding course.

You finish with the dessert utensil(s) at the top of your place setting.