Why is a soup spoon round and desert oval?

It's a common misconception that soup spoons are always round and dessert spoons are always oval. The shape of a spoon is more about its purpose and the type of food it's intended for than a strict rule.

Here's a breakdown:

* Soup spoons: The bowl of a soup spoon is often slightly rounded because it's designed to scoop and hold liquids like soup, broth, or stew. The rounded shape helps guide the liquid smoothly into the mouth. However, there are also square-shaped soup spoons available, particularly in more modern dining sets.

* Dessert spoons: The bowl of a dessert spoon is often slightly oval, especially when designed for ice cream, where the oval shape allows for scooping and serving the ice cream without it easily sliding off. However, round dessert spoons are also common, particularly for smaller desserts like pudding or custard.

Ultimately, the shape of a spoon is more about functionality and preference than a hard-and-fast rule. You'll find variations in both soup and dessert spoons depending on the specific design and purpose.