THE table etiquette They make up a whole world. Knowing where to place each place setting is important if you want to make a good impression. There are homes in which this sort of thing doesn’t matter, but in others the details of protocol are taken care of every day as if there were classy guests.
Depending on where you live in the world, table politeness will look one thing or another. For example, in Asian countries and Muslim-majority countries, eating with your hand is a tradition, even a recommendation. But this is frowned upon in the West.
In this article, we will know what are the rules for correctly placing cutlery on the table so that you can make, if you wish, the best impression.
Table etiquette: position of cutlery
To properly set the table, the cutlery must go in a certain place. This order allows you to naturally find the necessary tool at any time, for each type of food. Elements like the order, position or distance between cutlery are important for everything to be perfect.
Order cutlery
1. Place the cutlery in the order in which they will be usedstarting from the outside towards the inside of the plate:
– Knife and tablespoon to the right of the plate.
– Salad fork to the left of the plate.
– Meat fork to the left of the plate, next to the salad fork.
– Steak knife to the right of the plate, next to the soup knife.
2. Place cutlery approximately 1 inch from the edge of the table, leaving enough room for the diner to maneuver comfortably.
Placement of cutlery
1. Place the cutlery parallel to the edge of the table, with the tines or edges facing up for ease of use.
2. Align the cutlery handles so that they are in a straight line, creating a neat and aesthetic presentation.
3. Leave a space of approximately 2.5 cm between each place setting to prevent them from touching and confusing each other.
Placement of cutlery
1. Place the soup knife and steak knife with the edges facing inward, toward the plate, to avoid accidents and ease of use.
2. Place the forks with the tines facing up, ready to use.
3. Place the soup spoon with the concave side up, ready to serve soup or other liquid.
This is the traditional layout of cutlery on the table in Europe, but you can adapt it according to your preferences or the type of event. On special occasions or on more formal tables, more place settings can be added, such as a fish knife and fork or a dessert fork.
Where is the napkin on the table?
Another key element is the placement of the napkin on the table. This is important both in terms of etiquette and table presentation, as it can greatly define the style. Indeed, for example in Christmasare one of the key elements of the tables, so you have to invest time in learning how to fold them correctlyit’s worth it. Here are some of the most common options:
– Place the napkin to the left of the plate: The most traditional and practical placement of the napkin is to the left of the plate, as it is easy to reach and maintains a tidy appearance on the table.
– Put the napkin on the plate: Another common option is to place the folded napkin on the main plate. This is the most elegant way.
– Put the napkin under the plate: Sometimes the napkin is placed folded under the main plate. This position is less common, although it is also sometimes used at formal events.
In summary, the most recommended options are to place the napkin on the plate or to the left of it, since these are the most elegant and formal. Placement inside the glass or under the plate is reserved for more informal events or specific situations.
When you sit at the tableThe first thing to do is take the towel, unfold it and place it on your lap. If you have to get up during the meal, the ideal is to leave the napkin slightly folded to the right of the plate. It should never be placed on the left or on the chair.
Moreover, an action considered completely unacceptable is to tie the towel around the neck as if it were a bib. This is against etiquette and should be avoided at all times. But as with everything, there are exceptions: don’t hesitate to wear it around your neck if you eat calçots for example.
How to place cutlery after eating
The language of cutlery It’s very interesting and useful for socializing. Below we share some tips for doing it right.
1. Signal a break: During lunch or dinner, if you want to take a break, place the fork and knife in the center of the plate with the tips facing each other forming an inverted “V”.
2. Indicate that you have finished a dish: When you have finished eating and are ready for the next one, the right thing to do is to place the knife and fork in a cross formation, with the fork facing up and the knife to the left.
3. Show your appreciation: If you want to show your gratitude, you can place the cutlery to the right of the plate. This way you will tell the staff that you liked the food.
4. Express your dissatisfaction: If the dishes did not meet your expectations, you can place the cutlery in the same position as during your break (“inverted V”), but inserting the tip of the knife between the tines of the fork .
5. End of the meal: At the end of the meal, the correct placement of cutlery consists of placing the knife and fork straight, from top to bottom, in the center of the plate. This indicates that you are finished and the plate can be removed.
With these tips, you’ll know how to use cutlery language appropriately for any occasion.
