Final answer:
Flatware should be placed according to specific guidelines for proper table setting. Traditional rules suggested 5 inches side-to-side and 7-8 inches deep placement, but modern standards recommend more generous spacing of up to 8 diameters side-to-side and 15 diameters deep.
Step-by-step explanation:
Flatware should be set at a certain distance from the table for proper table etiquette. An older rule of thumb for setting flatware was to place them 5 inches side-to-side and 7-8 inches deep. However, newer guidelines recommend allowing more space, up to 8 diameters side-to-side and as much as 15 diameters deep. This ensures that guests have ample space and the table setting looks proportionate and appealing.