by Lois Jamieson
Today’s Wednesday Etiquette Day post is for adults. We’ve listed a few quick and easy tips that will keep you on track when you are attending that important business dinner.
What do I do with my hands when I’m not eating?
The best thing is to keep them on your lap.
How about my elbows?
Never, ever put your elbows on the table.
What about my napkin?
Before you start eating put your napkin on your lap. If you have to be excused from the table put your napkin on your chair. When finished and ready to leave the table put your napkin on the table to your left.
What fork do I use and where do I find it?
Forks are always to the left of the plate. The salad fork is on the outside, then the dinner fork. Use the eating utensils from the outside in.
Where is the salad dish?
The salad dish is to the left of the fork, if served with the main course. Sometimes it will be a first course and will be served directly in front of you.
Where is the bread plate?
Just above the fork. The small knife on the bread plate is your butter spreader.
What goes on the right side?
The first utensil on the right is your soup spoon. Your knife is to the left of the soup spoon with the cutting blade turned toward the dinner plate. Remember to cut your meat one piece at a time. Your water glass is on the right just above the dinner knife with your wine glass slightly to the right of it.
What do I do with my utensils when I am finished?
Place knife and dinner fork on an angle on the right side of the plate.
What is that little fork that sits just above my dinner plate?
That’s your dessert fork.
Bon Appetite and good luck getting that job if this is an interview meal!
