How to Use a Knife and Fork for Dining Etiquette

The proper use of tableware is an art that too frequently gets overlooked. But if you find yourself at a fancy dinner or power lunch, you'll be glad you took the time to learn. Practicing proper dining etiquette will help you appear gracious no matter where you are.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Place knives on the right side of your plate with the sharp edge facing in. Once you've used the knife and need to set it down, you should place it across the top of your plate with the sharp edge facing you.

2. Hold the fork with your thumb and first two fingers. The fork should be held in your left hand regardless of what hand you write with. The fork should hold the food steady while you cut with your knife.

3. Cut one piece of food at a time and lift that bite to your mouth with the fork in your left hand. For less formal occasions, you can cut all of your food and place your knife at the top of your plate as described in Step 1. Only then is it considered polite to use your right hand to hold your fork and eat your food.

4. Spoon soup away from your body, starting at the edge closest to you and moving to the opposite end of the bowl. Then, lift your spoon and allow the bottom of it to brush against the lip of the bowl to remove excess soup and avoid drips. Lift the spoon up to your mouth.

Tips & Warnings

• Slurping soup from your spoon is not appropriate. To avoid slurping, fill the spoon with only enough liquid for one comfortable mouthful.