How to Rest Silverware in Continental Style Etiquette

Continental style table etiquette requires you to hold your silverware in your hands as much as possible as you eat. However, you will need to put silverware down occasionally throughout a meal. Knowing how to place your silverware on your plate while you're not using it keeps you mindful of table etiquette at all stages of the meal.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Set down your knife and fork simultaneously when you aren't using them. Even though you could hold on to either your knife or your fork as you take a piece of bread or a sip of water, doing so shows that you don't know proper Continental table etiquette.

2. Place your silverware in a wide "V" position with the open side of the "V" towards you when you're just setting them down for a moment. This position shows others that you aren't yet finished with your meal.

3. Put your silverware together to indicate that you're finished with your meal for proper Continental style etiquette. Place them at an angle to your right, as if they're pointing from ten o'clock to four o'clock. Out of courtesy, make sure the silverware can't easily slide off onto the table when a server or host removes your plate.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the tines of the fork are pointed downward into your plate, whether you're setting it down for a moment or as a conclusion to the meal. Place the knife blade towards you.
• In England, proper etiquette is to place your silverware together in the center of your plate to indicate that you've finished eating. Most other countries see silverware placed to the right as a sign that you've finished your meal.