On the table properly laid,
All the flatware’s neatly arrayed:
The fork, manners suggest,
Precedes the spoon and the rest,
Be it with wife, lover or maid.
See also this limerick’s Cutlery companion pieces:
Americans set the table, when they arrange cutlery (silverware), dishes, bowls, cups or glasses upon it, whereas the British lay the table. They’re the same activity, sure, but the latter sounds so much more pleasurable!
