How to Handle Dropped Silverware for Dining Etiquette

Social etiquette is important in all aspects of life. At work, in social settings and even at home, social etiquette is what helps everyone feel comfortable and shows politeness and respect to those around you. Not all etiquette rules are obvious, and many fear having to face situations like dropping silverware because they don't know the proper thing to do.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look for the silverware as discretely as possible after dropping it. This doesn't mean sticking your head under the tablecloth and asking people to move their feet. Simply glance around and see if it landed anywhere in an aisle or surrounding the table.

2. Pick the dropped silverware up if you can do so without much notice. Wait for the conversation to move on to others and discretely reach over and bring the utensil up to the edge of the table and place it away from your plate.

3. Notify the wait staff that you dropped the utensil and gesture to the one on the edge of the table. If you could not retrieve the silverware, simply let the staff know which utensil you dropped. Don't ask them to pick it up; they will do so at the end of the meal.

4. Ask the server or host politely for another piece of silverware if needed. When you dine in a private home, skip Step 3 and graciously let the host know you dropped a piece of silverware. Ask for another.

5. Use a quiet voice when speaking to the wait staff or host. It's good etiquette to not draw attention to any dropped silverware or the fact that a new utensil is needed. Speaking quietly and discretely is not only polite but assures that the dinner is uninterrupted by dropping silverware.