(no subject) : comments [Matthew's Journal]

None of the above.

Or rather, in a formal service á la russe the dessert cutlery shouldn't be on the table before dessert is served. (I know at least one person who insist on at least the formality of all associations with earlier courses, including condiments, are cleared before dessert is served. Incidently, that's the origin of the word "dessert", desservir la table.)

In less formal dining, above the plate.

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I thought that dessert cutlery to be delivered with dessert was an informal thing; maybe it's only formal-but-not-hyperformal dining where the dessert cutlery should be on the table from the start.

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It is quite correct that the dessert cutlery (and indeed glasses) should never be laid at the start of the meal, even where dessert is to be eaten at the same table as dinner. However, by 'pudding' I believe Matthew means the sweet course, rather than dessert, and that cutlery is ordinarily laid at the start of the meal.

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Er... forgive my ignorance but what is the difference between dessert and sweet course?

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A full formal meal finishes with separate courses of Hot Sweet, Cold Sweet, cheese, then dessert (fresh fruit and sorbets).

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Can I just have this for my dinner and skip the courses beforehand?

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And then people wonder why they've put on three stone in the past month?

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I'd assumed that it was the final course of the meal, thus taking the place of dessert.

I'm not sure what the formalities would be in the shocking case of a meal that finished at the entremet chaud and omitted dessert entirely.

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I'm not sure what the formalities would be in the shocking case of a meal that finished at the entremet chaud and omitted dessert entirely.

I'd complain loudly to all concerned if I were you. Spoon and fork in hand, drum on the table and chant "We want more" until you get your just desserts.

(NB: This may be a lie)

Which reminds me, I have several people I owe a dinner to (including you) and should really get around to organising something and finding out people's availability.

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Matthew's Journal

July