It is very easy to be considered savage because of the way you wield your knife and fork. But at dinner parties, in a restaurant, or at formal events, you will probably prefer to use classic style... There is a European (continental) style and an American style. Which one do you prefer?
Steps
Part 1
European (continental) style- We'll cover the table setting issue at the end. For now, concentrate on how to hold your cutlery and learn how to use it! Use it correctly, of course.
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To cut a dish on your plate, hold the knife in your right hand. The index finger should lie straight and rest at the base of the blunt side of the knife blade. The other four fingers wrap around the handle. While forefinger is located on one side of the knife (blunt side), the thumb holds the knife on the other side (by the handle). The end of the knife handle should touch the base of your palm.
- The knife is used in the same way in both styles. The rules are for right-handers in both styles. If you are left-handed, follow the instructions provided, taking into account your peculiarity (thus, you will hold the knife in your left hand, and the fork in your right).
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Hold the plug in your left hand. The prongs should point down. The index finger is extended and rests on the back of the fork, at its base, but not close enough to touch food when using the appliance. Other fingers wrap around the handle.
- This method is called the "hidden handle" method. This is because your hand is hiding the entire pen.
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Bend your wrists so that your index fingers point down towards the plate. Thus, the ends of the cutlery will also be facing downward. Keep your elbows relaxed and not dangling or uncomfortable.
- Keep your elbows off the table while you eat. But if you decide to take a break, you don't have to adhere to this rule.
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Support the food with a fork, applying pressure to the appliance with your index finger. If you need to use a knife, cut off the food at the base of the fork with a saw motion. Dishes such as pasta require a little effort, but you may have to work a little hard to cut the meat. Usually one or two incisions are made at a time.
- Hold the fork with the prongs curving towards you with the knife farther away from you than away from the fork. You can hold it at an angle - just make sure you can see the knife so you know where you are cutting. You should see the knife behind the fork.
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Use a fork to place a small piece of food in your mouth. The teeth should be facing down. The back of the fork faces up.
- Take the plug in left hand even if you are right-handed. As you experiment, you will find that this method is more effective than the other.
Part 2
American style-
Hold the fork in your left hand when cutting off food. Unlike the continental style, in the American style, the plug must be held like a handle. The grip must be held between thumb and forefinger, middle and thumbs hold the base and the index finger is on top. Again, the teeth are facing downward.
When you cut, keep the knife in right hand. The location of the fingers of the right hand is the same as in the previous version - the index finger is along the base, the others are wrapped around the handle.
Cut off food. Hold the piece with a fork (teeth facing down), carefully cutting the food with a sawing motion. The fork should be closer to you than the knife. Cut one or two pieces off before continuing.
Now switch hands. The most important difference between this style and the previous one: after you have cut a piece, place the knife on the edge of the plate (blade at 12 o'clock, handle at 3) and take the fork in your right hand. Turn the fork so the tines are facing up! Tadam.
- This method was common in America when it first became America. This method was also used in Europe until a more effective approach was found. In the United States, such a leap has not occurred, although differences are everywhere.
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If you are not cutting, hold the fork in your right hand (teeth facing up). If you are eating a food that does not need to be cut, hold the fork in your right hand at all times. The teeth can be pointing downwards if you want to cut a piece, but in general they are always facing upwards. However, remember that these rules should only be followed formally. This refers to the situation when, for example, the president is sitting opposite. Otherwise, don't worry about it.
- Your appliances should never touch the table. If you are using only a fork, make sure the knife rests on the edge of the plate. When you put your fork down, place it on the edge of the plate with the tines in the center.
Part 3
Additional cutlery-
Understand how the table is served. 95% of the time, you will only use a knife, fork, and spoon. But there are times when other accessories are found. Here are the options:
The fork should be on the left of the plate and the knife on the right. If you have more than one fork: the outer one is used for salads, and the one closer to the plate is used for the main course. The main course fork is larger than the salad fork.
Every day there are more and more restaurants in Tashkent, and offers to spend an unforgettable evening are more and more tempting. We suggest you dive into restaurant etiquette and explore some simple rules literate consumers of restaurant service. By putting cutlery on your plate one way or another, you give various signs to the waiter, which the competent staff can catch and take note of.
Let's say in the process of a feast you need to "powder your nose" or "breathe fresh air", And you are removed from the waiter's line of sight. V job duties the waiter includes maintaining order, cleanliness, and so on. In this case, to show that the plate and cutlery "don't need to be taken away!" - use a categorical gesture.
"No need to take away!"
The work of a professional waiter is invisible to guests. Being under professional grooming, you do not even have time to notice how the snack plates are changed, the appliances are updated, the snacks are laid out, the drinks are refilled. Sometimes you just want to stop and pause.
As for the "pause", there are several options:
"Pause"
1. Provided there is an abundance of goodies in your plate, you can only use the free space on the rim. Based on this, we put the cutlery, with the blade touching the edge of the plate, with the handles touching the table surface. Knife on the right, fork on the left.
"Pause"
2. In the case of free space, place the knife with a fork on a plate, the letter "L". The edge of the knife looks to the left, and the tines of the fork to the right, while the handles of the devices hang over the table. The distance between the prongs of the fork and the knife can give a sign that the dish was rather small in size, in other establishments the same dish is served larger.
"Pause"
3. Classic regular pause. If you are using only a snack or table fork, the fork will be on the right.
We make it clear that the meal is over and it is necessary to move on to the next dish. There are several gestures to indicate this:
Finished the meal
The devices can be positioned as on the clock, the time is half past five. This option is convenient for collecting used dishes: the waiter does not cross the guest's personal space.
Finished the meal
Lay the fork and knife parallel to each other, handles down. The blade of the knife and the tines of the fork must point upwards. A large distance between the tines of the fork and the blade of the knife may indicate that the dish was large enough or satisfying enough to be completely satisfying. taste preferences for tonight.
Finished the meal
The next neutral option does not indicate size in any way
the dish served may indicate that everything was quite harmonious. It is also handy for waiters when collecting dishes.
"Looking forward to the next dish!"
If you are in a hurry, there is an option to show the staff that the service will be fast today, the serving of dishes and the collection of dishes promptly. Fold the fork with the knife cross to cross, with the edge of the knife to the left, the teeth of the fork should point up.
"The dish is just superb!"
If you were unexpectedly pleased with the served dish, and you do not want to leave the workers of the invisible front unattended, add another not tricky combination. The waiter will definitely pay attention to the benevolent gesture and will certainly bring good news to the cook.
"Did not like"
It also happens that the dish does not correspond to the visual and taste perceptions. There can be many reasons, but the fact remains on your plate. Such symbolism will not be particularly pleasant to the staff, but there is a reason to ask about the deep reasons for such an assessment. The waiter can clarify the shortcomings and, having agreed with the manager, there is a chance to leave a pleasant impression of the establishment with a small decorated dessert from the establishment itself.
"I didn't like the service"
If you come across a waiter with bad mood, moreover, he spoiled it for you, there is an option that can make it clear that "the service did not like it!". Such a gesture can be used if, when serving, they first brought the steaks, when the steaks were half eaten, they brought bread, and when the steaks ran out, they brought the sauce to the steaks. It happens quite often, right? Proceeding from the fact that the supply and service was the other way around - we put the devices of the "no need to carry away" option and turn the plate 180 °. The devices can be placed directly upside down by handles. After such an attitude of the service staff to the guests, the arrangement of devices on the left or right is not taken into account. The very fact that the service is wrong is shown by inverted instruments.
"Lacks a benevolent smile"
In the case of quite tolerable service, but lack of hospitality, in the process of eating food, you can make a demonstrative short-term pause to the service personnel with the gesture "Not enough a benevolent smile!" This will remind the waiters of hospitality, courtesy, benevolence and smile.
"Bring a complaint book"
The most "terrible" gesture of the cutlery language is "bring the complaint book!" We take the “finished meal” combination with a parallel arrangement of devices as a basis and figuratively turn it 180 °. The cutlery can be placed directly on the surface of the dish with the handles facing up. Which device is on the left, which on the right, in this situation does not matter.
"I liked everything very much!"
If you are satisfied with the food, service and plan to become a regular guest, use the combination "I liked everything very much!" The only nuance of this situation is that it is undesirable to insert the knife into the middle prongs of the fork, as this will be interpreted as "I didn't like the dish!" For the contact of the knife blade with the teeth of the fork, the outer teeth must be used.
"Everything is just weird!"
Finally, I would like to present a slightly flirtatious gesture, similar to a seated girl in a leg-to-leg pose. The most important thing is that this capricious person was 100% pleased. They raised the tone and mood, and this is all thanks to the well-coordinated work of the whole team of the hospitable institution. The guest can address this gesture of gratitude to his companion.
Knowing such simple combinations of the arrangement of devices, you can show your attitude to everything that happens, but also give signs to the competent staff. The latter, in turn, will be able to quickly rectify the situation, if it is still possible.
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How to properly arrange cutlery and dishes on the table.
So, you met everyone that should be on the table. But how do you put them all together?
The table is served strictly in accordance with the menu - this is the very first rule.
Appliances with spices are installed in pairs, one appliance for two guests, appliances are placed at the level of crystal or glass dishes, between the serving items of two seated guests. The spices should be dry and easy to spill out of the salt shakers. The holes through which the spices are poured must be securely closed with plugs.
Salt and pepper can also be served in open salt and pepper shakers, and a spoon for spices is placed on each appliance, bulging up. When serving banquet tables, salt and pepper shakers are placed on a tablecloth without supports. Often, appliances with salt and pepper are supplemented with bottles of vinegar, hot sauces and vegetable oil... Mustard is usually not placed on the table - it is served at the request of the guest immediately before serving the corresponding dish, necessarily together with a spoon for mustard. Bowls for rinsing hands are placed on the table if a dish that is eaten with fingers is served, for example, oysters, artichokes, mussels, shellfish, etc. The bowls are half filled with warm water, a slice of lemon is dipped into the water, next to a napkin with which they wipe their hands.
The fundamentals of behavior at a gala reception have evolved over the centuries, they are the same in any restaurant and are understandable to service personnel.
Correctly placed knife, fork, spoon are the main signs for service personnel during a meal.
Sometimes, if you do not adhere to the rules and leave your seat for a while, then upon returning, you can find an empty table, the fact is that you have given signs to the waiter that you have finished your meal.
There has long been an etiquette that regulates how tableware should be laid and is understandable for the employees of the institution. The waiter thinks you have finished your meal and removes the dishes. Therefore, it is important to learn all the signs that are used in restaurants and at special events.
There are only five such basic signs as putting cutlery after meals. It's easy and simple to remember them.
Pause
Various hot snacks at a gala reception or in a restaurant change periodically. But it happens that you need to take a break between meals. In this case, the knife and fork need to be folded towards each other, their handles rest against the table top, remember that the knife should be on the right and the fork on the left. Then the waiter will not remove your plate, and you will continue your lunch when you return.
Second course: waiting
Many people notice that you always expect the second one longer, this is understandable: it takes time to prepare it. This is tedious and the question arises of how to put the knife and fork down when the salad or appetizer is eaten. A gesture that is important for restaurant employees will help here, especially when in a hurry: items should be folded crosswise on the plate, this sign will be immediately clear to the waiter.
Compliment to the chef
Did you enjoy the food in the restaurant and would like to convey a compliment to the chef? Remember the rule, as in this case, you should put the fork and knife after eating: parallel to each other, the end of each device should point to the right, and the handles to the left. The serving staff will understand that you are familiar with restaurant ethics and will tell the chef that his dish is highly appreciated by the visitor. Perhaps you will receive a compliment from the chef in the form of an additional dessert.
End of lunch and request to submit an invoice
Dinner is over, you're ready to pay, it's worth showing it off. You need to correctly place the fork and knife on the table with which you ate. In restaurants, any waiter will understand this. They are placed parallel to each other, with the handles towards you, and the ends - away from you and always up. This shows that lunch or dinner is over and you want to pay.
The dish was not to your taste
Among the rules on how to put a knife and fork after a meal, there are gestures that are not always pleasant for the establishment, it would be good to know them. For example, you don't like the food very much and want to tactfully convey it to the staff. It is enough to pass the knife through the teeth of the fork. Everything is simple and straightforward.
European regulations are not much different from American ones. If you are having dinner at a gala reception and a toast is being made, do not put the cutlery on the plate, but leave it on the table - and you will not be mistaken. How to put utensils after eating photos of such gestures will help you remember them better.
Items not used during the meal just leave where they lay.
Table setting is an amusing business, but a lot of appliances can confuse even an experienced hostess. Forks are the most questionable. As a rule, 4 of them are used for a standard serving. Each must be correctly positioned depending on the compiled menu.
It is better to know in advance how to place them so as not to get into an awkward position in front of eminent guests.
Basics of etiquette
Knowing the basics of etiquette is the foundation of good serving and proper behavior. These rules dictate to us which side to place the devices and how to use them. Let's consider the rules of application:
- If there are filled pancakes on the table, then they are eaten with a knife and fork.
- For fish, special forks are provided - 4 prongs with a cut in the middle.
- If the fish is served not in portions, but as a whole, then slightly different devices are provided. In this case, the fork is round and flat. It is used to put a slice on a plate.
- If you decide to drink water while eating, then put your fork and knife on the edge of the plate, handles to the table.
- You need to put the fork on the left, and the knife on the right. The guest appliance is placed under the arm that needs to hold the fork.
- Tea is often served with a special small fork with two cloves. It is meant for lemon.
- Some dishes do not use a knife. In this case, it is permissible to hold the plug in your right hand.
There are separate forks for fruits. So, it is customary to eat bananas with their help. Dessert forks are often used for cakes with big amount air cream... In such a case, a fork is considered an acceptable alternative to a spoon.
For a simple family meal, it is enough to put one table fork on the table, this is quite enough. With holidays and celebrations, everything is different. So, on your festive table such forks must be present:
- Big. Visually resembles a simple dining fork, but differs large size... With its help, food is moved from a tray to a plate.
- The dining room is large. Used for meat dishes.
- Small. With its help, they eat snacks and desserts.
- Fish and seafood. The name of the forks speaks for itself. The devices are small in size.
- For fruit. Such a device is served in the final part of the meal.
rules
Table setting consists of many sequential steps. Truly the most difficult can be called the layout of the devices. It is this design element that will show your guests how skillfully you have done everything. There are strict rules on how to properly lay out appliances:
- The layout not only of appliances, but also of the dishes themselves always corresponds to the order of serving dishes.
- Point the knife edge towards the plate.
- The water dish is positioned above the knife.
- The forks are to the left of the serving plate.
- The spoon is placed to the right of the knives.
- Absolutely all appliances on your table should be from one set.
- For a simple homemade lunch, breakfast or dinner, only cutlery is sufficient.
- For serving festive table you will definitely need a wide range of forks, spoons and knives. This is indispensable.
These simple rules must always be followed. It doesn't matter what serving you serve, these tips will help you stay on top at all times.
Layout before meals
The most difficult and painstaking work is done long before the arrival of guests. More precisely, between preparing food and the arrival of guests, you need to set the table. The procedure itself may differ slightly depending on the occasion, the number of guests and the menu prepared. So, to the left of the serving plate, put the forks. In the basic setting, everything looks like this:
- Put the smallest fork farthest from the plate. Guests will eat her cold snacks, a variety of salads and fish dishes. This device is used primarily.
- The next fork is located closer to the same cymbal. She is eaten with hot appetizers and main courses. This fork is larger than the previous one. A distance of 2 cm is maintained from the plate to this fork.
When placing dishes and cutlery on the table, make sure that the cutlery is not hidden under the plates. The guest should have easy access to every serving item.
There are only 2 devices in the upper part of the plate. And sometimes you can completely forget about such devices, but you still need to know them. Cutlery above the serving plate:
- For various sweets, put a dessert spoon.
- The dessert fork is laid out next. This device is located closer to the plate. Although this device is optional, in classic serving is still present.
It is important to mention the special appliances for seafood. We are talking only about 2 items - a fork and a knife. The fork has 3-4 cloves, it is convenient to eat food with it. The knife looks like a spatula, it is used to separate the fish from the bones.
WITH right side only spoons and knives are laid out from the serving plate. There are absolutely no forks. It looks like this:
- Place a hot knife closest to the guest's plate. The tip is directed towards the plate.
- The next will be a snack knife. The point is directed in the same direction.
- Put the soup spoon farthest from the guest's plate. This element is present on the table only when served for dinner. Otherwise, this spoon is simply not needed.
Arrangement of instruments at the end
In home serving, it is customary to remove excess dishes after each meal. This rule applies to appliances too. During the entire meal, only the position of the water glass remains unchanged.
Regardless, if you decide to use formal serving techniques, go all the way. After eating, you can use a fork and knife to communicate your attitude to the hostess of the house. You can also convey a request not to put the dishes away while you are away.
Several options for the location of devices, if you need to pause:
- If there is a lot of food on the plate... Place cutlery on the edge of the plate with the handles resting on the table. The fork should be on the left and the knife should be on the right.
- If only a little bit is left. Place cutlery in an "L" shape. Turn the edge of the knife to the left, into the fork - to the right. Do not rest the handles on the table.
- If you eat only with a fork (no knife). Place it on the right side of the plate. The base rests on the table.
At the very end of the meal, different rules apply. Appliances are not placed on the table. The main reason is pretty commonplace. Leftover food from the dishes may fall or run off onto the tablecloth. The hostess of the house is unlikely to be happy with such a surprise. Several correct options:
- Place the cutlery parallel to each other on opposite edges of the plate. The handles should point towards you.
- Imagine the plate is a large dial. Place the fork and knife so that the handles point to 5 o'clock.
Another one of important points- if the broth was served with a stand, then leave the cutlery on it.
The arrangement of cutlery is an important stage in serving. It is also important to decorate the table beautifully. It doesn't matter for what reason you decide to do so interesting occupation like serving. Households and many guests will forgive you for minor flaws or neglect of some rules if you can create a truly unique atmosphere.
Most a win-win- a small gift for each guest... It can be absolutely any little thing that a person takes with him. Wrap such a souvenir in beautiful paper that will be in harmony with the general style of serving. Place the present on a plate.
You can put a small sweetness in the box (curly candy or cookies with beautiful decor). Keychains, souvenirs, figurines and other little things never lose their relevance. However, choose such a gift with a truly individual approach. A cute bear can cause an ambiguous reaction from a stately man.
Without extra costs you can decorate the plates with a small bouquet of flowers with satin ribbon... It could be a simple field composition. The main thing is for the guest to feel your care and attention.
Name cards near the plates are very popular. Think over the seating and place such guidelines. Cards can be made in the form of postcards. Write a name on top, and inside - a pleasant wish or compliment. This decision is relevant both in the family circle and at a formal event.
Napkins are often used for decoration. These are generally universal products that are both functional and decorative. The devices that will be used first can be decorated with napkins. Fold the fabric into an envelope, insert a fork with a knife inside. Put on a special ring on top or tie it with tape.
You can talk about the merits of napkins forever. The simplest table will sparkle with new colors thanks to colorful products. remember, that paper napkins can be used at a home dinner or as an addition to a holiday table. If possible, give preference to fabric products.
