Having appeared at a dinner in a society where it is customary to observe table etiquette, some people experience a feeling of awkwardness. The reason for this is not knowing how to use a fork and a knife. So that in such cases you do not get into trouble, you need to carefully look at the table setting. According to the rules of etiquette, the devices located on the right side of the plate - these are knives and spoons - are ordered to be taken in the right hand. And those that are located to the left of the dish, that is, the fork, are taken with the other hand.
Ways to use appliances
Currently, the fork and knife are used in two ways: European and American.
In the first case, cutlery is not laid on the table during the entire lunch or dinner. Moreover, the knife is left in the hand, even when it is not needed.
Americans have a different idea about how to use a fork and knife. Overseas etiquette allows you to put the device, which is not used, on the edge of the plate. Moreover, the plug at this time can be taken with the right hand. A knife is placed with a point inside the plate and the handle on the edge.
Products that do not require slicing, such as pasta, are allowed to eat with a fork, taken in the right hand. It is also allowed to be turned upside down for greater convenience.
Food lying on a plate must be cut away from yourself into small slices. There is no need to immediately divide the whole piece - this is done gradually.
If you need to give someone a knife, fork or spoon, they are served with the handle forward. It is best to take the device by the middle part so as not to get it dirty with your hands.
When to use a spoon, fork and knife
It is important to know that certain appliances should only be served with the dishes for which they are prescribed. So, for example, they cut meat, poultry, stuffed pancakes, cabbage rolls with a knife. Fish dishes are eaten using special devices, soup with a tablespoon, desserts with dessert. Cold appetizers serve fork and knife eateries. Spiny lobsters and other arthropods are eaten using a special set: a short fork and a shoulder blade.
If there is a need to take something from the table, whether it is bread or a glass, the devices are placed on the edges of the plate so that their handles rest on the table.
Bread is taken by hand from a common plate and placed on the edge of the diner.
Sandwiches are usually eaten with a knife and fork. If it is necessary to do it yourself, the oil is first put with a special knife on the edge of the snack plate and only after that it is spread on the bread without lifting the last from the dishes and holding it with your finger.
It is permissible to take dishes from the game by hand. And so that after that they can be washed, a container with warm water and a slice of lemon is specially placed.
How to use a spoon, fork and knife
Most often, many eat cutlery as shown to them in childhood. They simply have no idea how to use a knife, fork and spoon. Although learning this is not difficult.
In the process of cutting, the knife must be clamped from the sides so that its handle rests on the palm of the hand. A finger is placed on it so that, if necessary, press it on the device.
The fork is held by the edge of the handle. At the same time, one finger is placed on top: while eating, they are pressed on the handle, which helps chop the food. If it is difficult to use one fork, it is permissible to help yourself with a knife.
A spoon is usually taken in the right hand. Soup is eaten, drawing it from yourself, so as not to splatter. At this time, make sure that the liquid does not spill out into the bowl again. Large components are broken into pieces with a spoon. When there is not enough soup, it is permissible to slightly raise the edge of the dishes, directing them away from you. Having dealt with the first dish - or not having finished it - the device is left in a plate.
What can I say with the help of devices
Among other things, table etiquette provides for conventional signs used by guests during their stay at the table.
It is important not only to use the fork and knife correctly during the meal. At the end of lunch, they need to be folded on a plate so that the waiter understands what to do next.
If the devices are placed on the edges of the plate, resting the handles on the table, this means that the meal is still ongoing.
In anticipation of the next dish, the knife and fork are crossed on a plate, crossing.
When dinner is completed, the appliances are placed on the dishes next to them. In this case, the fork needs to be turned with its teeth down in the European style and up - in the American style, and the knife - with the blade inward. The arms of the devices shift slightly away from themselves to the right. This will mean that the dishes can be cleaned.
After reading this article, we can safely say: "Now I know how to use a knife, fork and spoon."