Utensils
Rules of the Napkin
During the Meal
General Etiquette
100

Once you use your knife, where should it be placed?

On the edge of the plate/saucer, not directly on the table

100

When should you place your napkin in your lap?

As soon as you sit down at the dining table

100

What's the proper way to eat bread or rolls?

Break it into small bites and butter each just before eating

100

True or false -- if asked a question by the host while eating, you should answer immediately

False, you should chew and swallow your food before speaking

200

If there are multiple utensils next to your plate, which do you use first?

Always work from the outside in

200

If you excuse yourself from the table for a moment, where do you place your napkin?

On your chair

200

What should you do if someone asks you to pass the salt?

Always pass the salt and pepper together, even if both are not requested

200

If in doubt of proper etiquette at some point during the meal, what should you do?

Follow the lead of the host

300

If you do not care for something you just put in your mouth, what do you do?

Remove it the same way it went in -- on your fork/spoon, then discretely discard it at the edge of your plate

300

True or false -- it's ok to dip your napkin in your water glass and dab at a spot on your clothes

False, if you spill something on your clothing, excuse yourself to the restroom

300

True or false -- it's ok to cut meat into small bites at the start of the meal

False, meat should only be cut one or two pieces at a time

300

How should you properly ask for something to be passed from the other end of the table?

Would you please pass the worcestershire sauce? Thank you!

400

Where should your utensils be placed when you've finished your meal?

All utensils should be placed beside each other, diagonally across the center of your plate

400

Once finished with dinner, where should your napkin be placed?

Placed loosely on the table next to your plate

400

What is the proper way to get the last of the soup out of your bowl?

Tilt the bowl away from you to get the last of it with a spoon. Do not slurp from the bowl or soak it up with bread!

400

When dining in a large group, when is it acceptable to begin eating?

When 3 or 4 people near you have been served, or when your host gives you permission

500

There are 2 forks beside your plate, what is each called?

The smaller fork is the salad fork, the bigger fork is the dinner fork

500

True or False -- gently blotting your mouth is the proper way to use a napkin during a meal

True yay

500

When a lady approaches or leaves the table, what should gentlemen do?

Gentlemen should stand unless the lady gives them permission to remain seated

500

You've always heard, "Elbows off the table," but what about your wrists?

It's acceptable to rest your wrists on the edge of the table

M
e
n
u