DEAR ABBY: Please settle a disagreement for us. Is a butter knife used to put your butter on your plate, or to spread the butter on your bread? -- ETIQUETTE-CHALLENGED IN SHILOH, ILL.
DEAR CHALLENGED: If a small fork isn't provided to transfer the butter to your bread plate, use the butter knife to do it. If the butter is served in a dish, then use your butter knife to scoop out a portion and place it on the edge of the plate.
And by the way, when you take a slice of bread, do NOT butter it all at once. Break off a bite-sized piece, apply the butter, then pop it in your mouth.
P.S. The butter dilemma can be avoided by substituting olive oil instead, which is healthier. When I'm in a restaurant, I often ask for olive oil, to which I add a dash of balsamic vinegar -- making sure the design on my butter plate looks like modern art. Not only is it good for my heart, it's creative and fun.
P.P.S. My editor suggests adding a dash of Parmesan. Delicious!