Final answer:
The salad plate is placed to the top right of the place setting when the dinner plate is served and the guest is still eating their salad, following proper table etiquette.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a dinner plate is ready to be served, and a guest is not finished with the salad, with the guest's permission, the salad plate is placed to the top right of the place setting. This is a part of proper table etiquette, ensuring that there is enough space for the main course while still allowing the guest to finish their salad. This position is chosen to maintain the organization of the table and to prevent any interference with the dinner service.