How to signal waiter / server in restaurant that you are done eating?

Question

Etiquette question . . . with no words or getures, how does a person ' signal ' that they are done eating while in a restaurant ? Wondering this, as I'm aware of this ' signal ' and many times it is not noticed by the waiter or they go on to ask "are you done eating " while it's been ' messaged ' by this signal that I clearly am not done eating. Even in finer restaurants this 'signal 'gets overlooked . . . so I'm wondering if most are not aware of this. This question is in the etiquette section...so sincere comments / questions only please.

Answer 1

I put my utensils diagonally across the top of the plate.

Answer 2

Place your utensils on the plate with the handles at 4:00, more or less.

I think that the reason this "signal" is ignored in many restaurants is that this is a pretty natural way to place your utensils normally when you put them down, so people probably do it without intending to use the signal. And people also don't know to use it so they might leave their utensils in other positions when they really are done. I'd say it's better for the waiter to ask if you are done than accidentally take your plate too early.

Answer 3

I attended a course on 'Table Manner' sometimes back and we were taught how to signal end of the eating session, like so many above here said:

Put your utensils (spoon/fork & Knife) together in the center of the plate and napkin on the table (but not folded back). Sorry, someone above said "putting silverware on plate in an X formation" - is wrong.

Utensils should no be put apart, like one is at the left and other is at the right end of the plate. This position (utensils apart) indicates that the lunch/dinner etc has not been completed and the waiter would never ask you "are you done eating” if they had their basic training in catering courses.

I have seen people keeping their utensils apart on their plate and then do not get noticed by the waiter and start calling them in demeaning manners, like raising hands or making clicking sound with utensils or cracking snap with fingers etc.

The real life waiters were present in our training session and the facilitators asked them what behavior of the guest would annoy most, the unanimous reply was people calling their attention wrongly.

Have a nice eating!

Answer 4

I usually just put my napkin and utensils on the plate, If im in a hurry and no one has come, I dont have a problem telling the next waiter to come close enough that Im ready for my check and could they please let our waiter know.
I dont normally have an issue with this since I dont like to eat out at a nice place if Im in a hurry. I like to hang out and talk with my freinds for a little while before leaving. : )

Answer 5

if I actually have a poor journey w/ my server, i visit leave 10 p.c. of the bill as a tip. and probable a message for the authorities. if provider is only ok, 15 p.c.. if provider is large... commonly round 8 or 10 bucks. also relies upon on the type of eating position it really is.

Answer 6

Place your utensils on the plate face down.

Answer 7

Put your napkin on your plate and push your plate forward. Usually gets the point across.

Answer 8

placing your utensils on your plate is generally considered a sign you are done eating.... tossing the napkin on is a sure sign.

Answer 9

Place your silverware in your plate and cover it with your napkin. Unless your server is an idiot they will get the message.

Answer 10

I was taught to put my utensils and napkin on my dinner plate. And if that does not work, to put my jacket/coat on.