Basic Dining Etiquette

​Manners and etiquette do not need to be complicated. Let’s get back to the basics and keep it simple. Knowing some guidelines about maneuvering a dining table will help you feel confident during your next dining experience.

Basic Place Setting

Place Setting
A basic table setting is something that most of us use every day and it includes the following:

• The fork is placed on the left side of the plate.
• The knife is placed on the right side of the plate, with the blade facing inward.
• The plate is in the center.
• The water glass is positioned above the knife.
• The napkin is placed to the left of the fork or on top of the plate.

Only include items on the table that will be used for the meal. In this case, a fork, knife, and glass suffice. See the photo above.

Napkins
When you sit down at the table, place your napkin on your lap. However, if you are dining in someone’s home, wait for the host or hostess to place their napkin on their lap first, then follow their lead. If they don’t place their napkin on their lap and the meal is being served, you may proceed to place yours on your lap.

There are two acceptable ways to position your napkin on your lap:

1. Fold the napkin with the fold closest to you and the open end facing your knees.
2. Fold the napkin with the open end closest to you and the fold near your knees.

Use the inside of the napkin to dab your mouth to remove food or sauce. When done, place the napkin back on your lap with the soiled part inside to keep it discreet. If you leave the table during the meal, place your napkin on your chair.

​When the meal is over, place the napkin to the left of your plate or where your plate was if it has been cleared.

Holding and Using Your Utensils
Hold your knife and fork with the handles resting in the palms of your hand. With the fork, turn your hand over and place your index finger at the base of the fork where the handle and tines meet. For the knife, again turn your hand over and place your index finger in the spot where the handle and blade section meet keeping your index finger straight. This short VIDEO will give you a visual explanation.

When cutting food, hold the knife in your dominant hand and the fork in your other hand. Grip the handles with the palm of your hands, turning the blade and tines downward. Place your forefingers at the spot where the blade and handle meet and on the back of the tines. Cut one or two pieces at a time and avoid holding the fork like a dagger.

• American Style: Place your knife at the top of the plate. Switch the fork to your dominant hand and hold it like a pencil, bringing each bite to your mouth individually.
• Continental Style: Keep the knife and fork in the same position used for cutting, then bring the fork (tines down) to your mouth while the knife rests on the plate.
  This short VIDEO will give you a visual explanation.​
  

Utensil Placement Resting Position - American Dining

When pausing during the meal, place your knife across the top of your plate with the blade facing you, and position your fork at the 4:00 mark on the plate. This signals the resting position in American dining. See the photo above.

Utensil Placement Finished Position - American Dining

When you are finished with your meal, place your fork and knife together in the 4:20 position on the plate with the knife blade facing inward. See the photo above.

Excusing Yourself from the Table
If you need to leave the table during the meal, simply say “Excuse me” or “I’ll be right back” to those seated near you and quietly leave. There’s no need to explain where you’re going. Likewise, if someone else leaves the table, avoid asking them where they are going.

By practicing these basics daily, they will become second nature, allowing you to dine with confidence and ease. 

If you would like to learn more about dining etiquette with private lessons, please reach out to me HERE!
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