How to Use Cutlery

You don't have to get flustered when presented with a formal table setting. Learning how the table is set, which fork to use and how to use a knife will help you use the right cutlery. Here are a few tips to help you understand table settings and cutlery.

Instructions

1. Learn the basics of table settings. Forks are always placed on the left side of the plate with knives and spoons on the right. Cutlery is placed so that you use the utensil on the outside first. For example, if there are two forks set on the table, use the one furthest away from the plate first. The cutlery matches what is being served. If a salad is being served first, a salad fork will be placed on the outside. If there are two spoons on the table, use the outside spoon first. For example, if soup is being served, the soup spoon will be placed furthest away from your dish. Steak knives are placed closest to the plate and butter knives are placed on the bread plate.

2. Dip the soup spoon into the bowl of soup and fill the spoon away from you. If you look at the bowl of soup as a clock, you would dip your spoon in at 6 o'clock and out at 12 o'clock. Please don't slurp the soup; gently sip it from the side of the spoon.

3. Place only as much food on your fork as you can eat in one bite. Never overload your fork with several pieces of food at once. This is true for meats as well as salads. Many people jab their fork into several pieces of lettuce before eating, which is a big no-no.

4. Cut the meat and don't kill the meat. Never, ever place the knife between your thumb and index finger. Grasp the steak knife with your right hand and place your index finger over the top of the knife, with the handle extending into your palm. Hold the fork in your left hand to cut meat. Place your index finger on the back of the fork, then place the fork in the meat to be cut. Draw the knife blade towards you and remove it. If the meat hasn't been cut through, repeat the motion. Never, ever "saw" the meat in a back and forth motion. Cut only one piece of meat at a time. After the meat has been cut, place the knife on your plate and eat that piece. Remember, cut and eat only one piece at a time.

5. Look at the cutlery at your table setting to become familiar with it. If the cutlery is placed in a formal setting, look at the forks. If the smaller fork is on the outside, then a salad will be served first. If the smaller fork is placed closest to the plate, it will be used either for fish or dessert. Remember to use the cutlery from the outside in and you'll do fine.

Resources

• Visit Cuisine Net to learn more about how to use cutlery.