How to Eat Finger Foods
Finger foods are tiny, bit-sized morsels that are generally too small to be manipulated by a knife and fork. Even though finger foods are typically served in gatherings of a more casual setting, there is still a certain etiquette involved in consuming them. A few simple tips on how to eat finger foods can help you mind your manners and avoid embarrassing situations such as dripping sauce on your clothes or accidentally spitting food at other guests. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Use a plate or napkin. It is messy and rude to walk around with a handful of food munching and dropping crumbs all over yourself and the floor. The first rule of thumb of eating finger foods is to use a small plate or napkin to hold the small morsels. Never stand directly over a serving tray eating directly from the tray. If serving utensils or toothpicks are provided, use them to transfer the morsels to a plate or napkin. If neither are offered, pick the items up between your thumb and forefinger touching only the morsels you intend to eat.
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Do not "double dip" in community sauces or dips. Many finger foods -- like fried cheese sticks, vegetable trays or nachos -- are served with special sauces and dips. It's important to remember a few finger food eating tips when consuming such garnishes to preserve your manners and sanitation as well. Whenever possible use a spoon to transfer a small portion of sauce or dip to your plate. If you are not using a plate, dip the morsel only once into the sauce or dip before taking a bite. Once you have bitten a piece of food, you should never return it to a shared serving bowl of dip.
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Execute proper timing for consumption. Since finger foods are typically served as appetizers or hors d'oeuvres, it is common to consume them while mingling with guests. In these scenarios use strategic timing when eating them so as not to talk with your mouth full and risk spitting food at your peers. A good way to do this is by asking a question that requires an extensive answer and doing your nibbling while you listen. You may also extend the same courtesy in return.
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Use a finger bowl or hot towel when available. Sometimes finger foods are served aa a single course at more formal dinner gatherings and a finger bowl or hot towels are offered to guests. If a finger bowl containing warm water and lemon or flower petals is offered, lightly dip your fingers, dab them dry with a napkin and set the bowl to the left of your plate. If hot towels are offered by a server, accept the towel, wipe your hands and place the towel on your plate to be removed.
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Tips & Warnings
More casual gathering such as sporting events or outdoor carnivals may require a less formal approach to eating finger foods.
Though "bite-sized" and small, finger foods are typically meant to be consumed one at a time. Consuming handfuls of finger foods at once may pose a potential choking threat.
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