How to Use Dining Utensils

In order to dine out with co-workers, it is important to know how to properly use dining utensils in a formal dining environment. It is especially important to follow these rules when you are an invited guest to a formal dinner at a restaurant or dinner party,

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Utensils are generally set up so that you can start from the outside. Use the utensils furthest from the plate first.it's also important to note that you should just use one set of utensils per course. Don't mix up using two forks for the same dish.

2. Often times, the soup spoon will be the only utensil set up at first.To eat soup, put the spoon away from the body while sipping it from the side. Never blow on it, or slurp it from the spoon.

3. There is a fork to be used in salads appropriately called the salad fork. It is located on the outer left of the utensil setting.

4. For your main course, you want to use the traditional fork. It will be located on the inner left of your place setting. You should also use a knife that is provided for your main course. It is located on your inner right.

5. When you are completely done with your meal, you should leave the plate in place. Lay the fork with its tines down first, then lay the knife diagonally across it with the sharp side facing inward. This signals that you are done with your meal and it does not interrupt other guests who may still be enjoying their food.

6. If the dessert spoon and fork are placed in the first place setting, they will be set upon the dessert plate. This should remain untouched until dessert arrives. Don't fret if you don't notice them. Sometimes they are brought out with the dessert!

Tips & Warnings

• When in doubt, watch. If you see what others are doing, chances are that it's okay. In a worse case scenario, you won't be the only one who does things a certain way.
• Remember to relax while also being aware. The goal is to have fun, although you want to make sure you do it in the right way.
• If you drop a piece of food on the table, don't panic. Simply pick it up with the most helpful utensil to the situation, and place it on the edge of your plate. Many will likely not even notice.
• Don't correct others if they aren't using proper etiquette. There's nothing polite about doing such a thing!
• Don't worry. You will make mistakes. Correct it quickly if nobody notices. If it is called out, try to make a joke of it, then move on.