Rules for using cutlery

A modern self-respecting person should know a number of rules of behavior at the table. This means understanding how to hold cutlery according to etiquette, how to arrange them, and what to remember during and after the meal. These skills will help maintain mutual respect and comfort of all people sitting in the room.

Table manners

By paying attention to the rules of behavior at the table, a person shows himself from the best side. This is a sign of good manners, concern not only for one's well-being, but also for the pleasant meal of all those sitting around. This is called etiquette, and previously only representatives of the upper class of society knew it, it was one of the striking differences between educated people and commoners. Today there is no clear division by such a criterion, but if a guest demonstrates ignorance of the rules of etiquette, he risks irritating others.

It is essential to know:

1. Each device has its own purpose.
2. There is an order in which dishes are served, and it is a mistake to expect that exceptions will be made for certain individuals.
3. Violation of ethical norms by some people is not a reason or excuse to ignore the rules on your part. But it is also uncultured to directly condemn for this, it is correct to pretend that it is unnoticed.
4. Cutting meat or fish is done gradually, as the previous piece is swallowed. And this must be done with a specially designated tool, the knife should be in the left hand, the fork - in the right. Changing their places under the pretext of inconvenience is unacceptable.
5. The entire set of glasses is placed on the table, but if the guest does not intend to drink from each one, it is better to ask to remove some. This is a precautionary measure, and it is more convenient, there is less risk of touching the glass with your hand and breaking it.

Table etiquette for placing cutlery (forks, knives, spoons)

In elite restaurants, great attention is always paid to how different cutlery is laid out. This is called table setting, it involves placing a fork, knife, spoon on the side of the plate where it is most convenient to reach with the hand in which they are taken. So, knives for the main course, fish, appetizer are usually placed on the right, and a soup spoon can lie between them (with the convex side facing the table), if the guest is going to eat soup.

Forks are placed on the left (with the tines facing up), and they differ in size. The closer to the plate, the larger the device. The closest is the dinner one, the fish one next to it, and the outer one should be for appetizers. This rule was invented for convenience, so that you can take the device from the edge, use it, freeing up space around it.

Just above the plate there is a small dessert spoon in a horizontal position, and it is turned to the left, which means that guests will be served their dessert individually.

Rules for using cutlery according to etiquette

You also need to know how to use cutlery, because knowledge does not mean a complete set of skills. But understanding the basic principle of the order of using forks and knives will never be superfluous. They are always taken in turn, starting with the small ones on the edge, intended for appetizers (they are served first), ending with the large ones, located near the plate itself.

How to put away cutlery after eating

After eating, it is important to remember that the placement of the fork and knife is fundamentally important. If you ignore the rules, you can create an awkward situation, inconvenience for others, or leave a negative review of the taste of the food without even knowing it. That is, when breaking away or finishing a meal, you need to pay close attention to what "picture" remains.

But at the same time, leaving them on the table or cloth tablecloth is definitely not worth it, this is a sign of bad taste. Such products are often made of natural fabrics, so it is extremely difficult to wash them.

Fork and knife on a plate after eating

Usually, it is the fork and knife that become the main instruments for "silent" communication with the waiter. If the meal is not finished, but you need to drink a glass of water, it is advisable to rest them with their handles on the table, and rest the part covered with food remains on the edges of the plate, since putting the knife and fork down after the meal will not be correct otherwise.

Folding these utensils crosswise after eating may indicate that the dish should not be taken away. However, if the visitor leaves it in this form, with the blade secured between the teeth, this will be interpreted as dissatisfaction with the food.

If the dish has satisfied the requests and expectations, it is correct to leave the fork and knife next to each other parallel to each other, slightly shifting the angle of inclination. But if they are at a distance, then this is a requirement to call the administrator.

Fork etiquette

In addition to the usual forks intended for main courses, fish and desserts, there are many other varieties that differ in the thickness of the teeth, their number and length:

• fruit (has three teeth, small in size);
• for lobster (two short cloves);
• for the snail (two long, slightly curved teeth);
• to oysters;
• as a component of salad tongs.

They are served only if the guest definitely wants one of the listed dishes.

How to eat with a fork

There are 3 main ways to hold this item according to etiquette.

1. The thumb and middle finger are grasped at the end of the handle, and the index finger is positioned along the object, helping with pressing. In this case, the fork stands on its edge, touching the plate. This is often necessary with dessert, it is soft.
2. The same position of the fingers, only in the middle of the object and the teeth "look" down. Then the index finger can better help when pressing and piercing meat and other hard pieces of food.
3. The fork is taken like a regular ballpoint pen and positioned so that it is convenient to scoop up the soft part of the meal.

It usually takes a little practice to master and get used to holding this object correctly. But then this option becomes even easier than the others.

How not to use a fork

It is unacceptable to use it in other positions in the hand, as well as to allow sounds to be produced while touching the dishes. The same applies to the knife. If it is inconvenient to hold it in the left hand all the time, then the American version of etiquette allows for the transfer of the device to the other hand when the knife is not needed.

How to hold a spoon correctly

The spoon should lie on the hand with the convex side towards the table, the handle in the place between the index finger and the thumb, its thinnest part - at the very end of the index phalanx, held with the tip of the thumb.

Cutlery gestures

Gestures can mean different things in places, but there is a generally accepted tendency for "wordless" communication between a waiter and a customer. This is especially useful during a business or important meeting in a restaurant, when important things are being discussed, then you don't want to interrupt your thoughts by exchanging remarks with the staff.

It would look disrespectful and too carefree, as if the subject of the conversation does not really concern the interlocutor. Such conclusions are fraught with spoiled relationships and all the ensuing consequences.

Cutlery signs

Proper use of cutlery ensures the guest's presentability and status in the eyes of others. But it is not always convenient to talk about shortcomings or dissatisfaction with services, personnel, food, due to personal preferences, modesty. Sometimes the reason is a large number of people around and good audibility, then you can minimize the publicity of your message by laying out the fork and knife in a certain position.

Sometimes a guest is surprised that his dishes were quickly taken away, although he did not finish eating. Often he unknowingly laid out the cutlery in such a way that the staff interpreted it as a request to remove the dish, that he did not like it, etc.

Designation of a fork and knife on a plate

It is worth remembering that the duties of the service staff include monitoring the position of the cutlery on the dishes. And a crossed fork and knife in the middle of the plate, forming a right angle, will tell them that the guest wants to immediately proceed to the next stage of the meal.

You can leave messages like these:

1. I liked it. Both objects are close and parallel in the middle.
2. Delightfully delicious. Slightly askew, fork under knife.
3. Didn't like it. Crosswise, the blade is inserted into the teeth.
4. The plate should stand, there is no need to remove it. The cutlery is nearby, the handles are on the table or hanging down a little.
5. Normal, but the service was not satisfactory. Crossed cutlery, turned one hundred and eighty degrees.
6. Requires an entry in the complaint book. The objects on the plate are arranged parallel at a distance, but turned upside down with the handles.

What to remember at the table after a meal

1. In many countries, it is customary to thank the cook for his efforts, even if the food is not quite to your taste.
2. The linen napkin should be carefully folded next to the table, to the right of the plate.
3. If after eating there are pieces of food left in the mouth, you cannot use a toothpick at the table. You need to take it and gallantly go to the toilet.
4. Avoid extraneous sounds when lowering metal objects and dishes, or touching the edges.
5. You should not lean back in your chair to indicate that you have finished eating, as this indicates that you are overly full, which does not reflect well on the visitor.

So, the rules of using cutlery according to etiquette largely depend on the type of item and its purpose. Some types of food can be consumed without them, but you should be absolutely sure of this, otherwise you can give the impression of an uncultured guest who does not respect himself and others.

VIDEO: Cutlery Etiquette.