I know this sounds stupid, but I've never formal dined before, (I have grandchildren) but, most times in a resaurant I watch the person next to me, but what is the proper order and what fork etc do I use?
2007-02-12 07:19:00 · 12 answers · asked by Mystee_Rain 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
You've already got a lot of good answers. I'll just add that you could look at the Emily Post, a book of etiquette, at your library if you want to know the finer details such as which way to move your spoon across a bowl of soup. It also tells you what type of gift to bring and when if this is say a wedding or you are guests at someone's home.
Check out the site for some good info.
2007-02-19 14:50:52 · answer #1 · answered by chillsister 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's easy. The small fork on the far left is for salad. When finished with the salad, place the fork upside down on the plate. This will show the waiter that you are finished. The butter knife is to be laid across the rim of the plate and is for the bread ONLY. The spoon is to be used ONLY if there is some type of gravy or sauce served with your main course. If soup or any type of appetizer is served, those pieces of silver will be brought with that course. At the main course, a separate meat knife will be set if you have ordered RED MEAT ONLY,otherwise another butter knife will be presented. There is absolutely no harm in asking for additional cutlery if needed. Also, eat your salad from where the plate is set by your waiter. Do not move it closer (dumb, I know )
When you are finished w/ the main course,simply place any USED silver at an angle on the plate and push the plate slightly forward. A little practice at home will make it easier.
2007-02-12 09:11:16 · answer #2 · answered by johnnyman 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Everyone already covered the outside to inside thing so i'll add my little piece of info...when you are done with a course in a formal setting you always put your utensils on your plate resting between 3 and 5 o'clock. This is a signal for the server to come take your plate away.
Other than that, just enjoy the food. I've been lucky to have dined in some great places and nobody has ever paid attention to what I did.
Peace.
2007-02-19 16:19:53 · answer #3 · answered by GranolaGurl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Start from the outside an work your way in. The cutlery will be set up by course, with the fork for the first course being the outermost fork The same goes for knives.
From time to time you will have a special implement such as a spoon at the top of the plate these are intended for beverages.
2007-02-12 07:23:31 · answer #4 · answered by smedrik 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Start with the cutlery on the very outside..they will put it in proper order according to the courses. ie.. salad fork and knife followed by main course etc.. but don't get too hung up on that, just be polite chew with your mouth closed and enjoy the evening. Even if you use the wrong fork... who cares..it's just a fork.. enjoy the food.
2007-02-19 18:13:39 · answer #5 · answered by oneblondepilgrim 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Emily Post has a site on the web. Go to Google , then Emily Post. You should be able to find your answer there. But, from what I can remember, It is best to follow the host. You are not to start eating until she does. Use the same utensil she does. The silverware is laid out with the first utensil you would use on the out side. you work your way in to the plate.
2007-02-16 05:51:59 · answer #6 · answered by sweetpea 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Start from the outside and work your way in.
The spoon at the top of the plate is for coffee/tea after the meal and the fork at the top of the plate is for dessert.
Leave your used cutlery on your plate so that it can be cleaered away with your plate.
2007-02-12 08:37:27 · answer #7 · answered by babypocket2005 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Work your way from the outside in.
for example,,,if your appetizer/salad arrives, use the fork on the outside,,,so that when you get to your main course, the principal fork is the one left for you to use and is closest to the plate.
2007-02-15 16:27:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
even i had this problem before .
my brothers taught me to hold the fork in the left and the knife in the right hand.it was a little wierd in the beginning but i got used to it practising at home.always keep a napkin on your laps or tuck it to the top of the shirt etc..
you should remember to serve others before serving yourself..
2007-02-16 20:23:25 · answer #9 · answered by suraj 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is easy to remember, always start from the outside, and work your way towards the plate.
but more important..
Just enjoy the good food and relax and you'll get on fine
2007-02-12 13:10:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋