How to Use Silverware in American Style Etiquette

Table manners are important to know, since they can make the difference between a favorable and a unfavorable impression. There are two dining etiquette styles: American and Continental (or European). You will learn about American style etiquette, which is also often referred to as the Zigzag, because the cutlery is switched from hand to hand.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Hold your knife in the same hand you use to write. If you're right-handed, this means you'll hold the knife in your right hand and the fork in your left.

2. Cut a few small pieces of food, then move your knife to the top part of the dinner plate. Make sure that the serrated edge of the knife is facing in.

3. Move your fork from your left hand to your right with the fork tines facing up. Begin eating. If you need to rest while eating, for example to butter a bun, place the fork on your plate with the tines up. The fork should be well away from your knife to indicate that you're not finished eating yet.

4. Set your fork and knife side by side diagonally on the plate when you are done eating. The tines of the fork should be down and the serrated edge of the knife should face inwards. The fork should be to the left of the knife.

5. Position your silverware in such a way that they won't slide off when the server removes the plate at the end of the meal. A good guide is to place the knife and fork at the 10 and 4 o'clock positions on your plate.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a used teaspoon on a saucer and not in the cup.
• Never place a piece of used cutlery or silverware back on the table.