Whether you’re attending a gala at college, planning on interning or getting a summer job–knowing table manners is something handy to know. No, this doesn’t mean you have to eat your hot dog with 2 forks and a knife and you don’t have use these skills nightly, but there are certain things every person should know about proper dining etiquette.
It’s important to KNOW what all the cutlery is so that you don’t make a bad first impression!
The formal table setting is intimidating:
The general rule with utensils is to start from the outside of your place setting, and work your way toward the main meal plate.
AMERICAN STYLE
Use the fork in your left hand with the tines down to hold the food stable, then cut with the knife in your right hand.After cutting, place the knife on the plate with the cutting edge facing the center of the plate.
Switch the fork to your right hand. Hold the fork like you would hold a pencil.
EUROPEAN STYLE
Knife is always held by the right hand, fork always by the left hand. Lift the food to you mouth with the tines down, and use a slight twisting action.
Table etiquette includes unspoken rules for you to signal to your waiter that you’re finished with your meal or still working on it.
Crossing your dinner knife and dinner fork (as shown below) implies that you are taking a break, but plan on eating more.
Keeping your dinner knife and dinner fork parallel to each other on the right of your plate signals that you are finished with your meal and cues the waiter that he or she can remove your plate.
Following proper dining etiquette is important whether you are with your boss or your partner’s parents. No one wants to eat with a slob and it’s important to make a good first impression at all times. Follow these tips and you will never go wrong!
