Butler facts & stats

Question 1

In a large traditional household, what does a butler do?

Accepted Answer

Leads the household staff and manages dining. A butler traditionally ran the household's male staff, the dining room, the silver and the wine cellar.

Question 2

In a Western place setting, on which side of the plate is the fork placed?

Accepted Answer

Left. Forks go to the left of the plate, with knives and spoons to the right.

Question 3

When a table knife is placed beside the plate, which way does the blade face?

Accepted Answer

Toward the plate. The knife is set to the right of the plate with its cutting edge turned toward the plate.

Question 4

In a formal place setting, where is the small bread plate usually placed?

Accepted Answer

Upper left, above the forks. The bread plate sits at the upper left, above the forks, while glasses sit at the upper right.

Question 5

In a formal place setting, where are the dessert spoon and fork often placed?

Accepted Answer

Horizontally above the plate. Dessert cutlery is often laid horizontally above the dinner plate and brought down when dessert is served.

Question 6

In a grand household, what was a footman?

Accepted Answer

A junior male servant ranked below the butler. Footmen waited at table, opened doors and ran errands, and reported to the butler.

Question 7

In a traditional British country house, which senior servant managed the housemaids?

Accepted Answer

The housekeeper. The housekeeper ran the female domestic staff and household supplies, alongside the butler who led the men.

The basics