how to use cuttlery while eating in a restaurant?

Question

i want to know how to place and use cutlery at a restaurant. for example how to place the cutlery when you have finished eating and how to place if you still want to continue.

Answer 1

Knife and fork parralell on the plate means finished Knife and fork each side of empty plate means you have not finished

Answer 2

Now this I can answer as my mother was a tyrant about proper table manners. Generally the smaller fork on the far left is for salad.The larger is for the main course is for meat. The butter knife should be laid across the bread plate when in use until the waiter clears. A meat knife will be brought with the main course if meat is being served. Hold the meat fork in your left hand between the forefinger and thumb, and the meat knife in your right.After carving a small slice, gently lay the knife at an angle across the rim of the plate,and take a bite.(repeat this throughout) When finished w/ the meal,place both the knife,spoon, and fork pointing down in a neat arrangement on the plate and push the plate slightly forward. This will show the waiter that you have finished and that he may clear.

Answer 3

Most of the answers are correct but I will add that the answer you got saying keep a utensil in your hand.......... it's a bad habit and can look sloppy.

It is also respectable to just rest the handle of your knife and fork, on opposite sides of the plate on the table. Though on the plate is prefrered if you doing super fancy.
When done put them together and rest the tops just an inch or so from the top. Then angle the handles down resting on the edge of the plate up to halfway down though a tad higher is best.

Answer 4

If you are finished you should lay them across your plate and push the plate slightly away from you. The server or busser should try to make eye contact when they come by and if you nod at your plate they'll usually take it away. If you're still eating, you can rest the cutlery half-on the plate and on either side. That way, if the server or busser is a noob and tries to clear it you'll have lots of time to tell them to please leave it.

Answer 5

If you're done, place your knife and fork together in the middle of your plate.

If you're not done, then keeping one utensil in your hand is a good sign. Keeping your knife on the edge of your plate is also a sign.

Of course, the number of waiters that know these rules is somewhat slim...

Answer 6

If your knife and fork are placed together, side by side, it means that you are done. Of you place them opened in an angle, it means you are not done.