Utensils
Once you use your knife, where should it be placed?
On the edge of a plate or saucer, NOT directly back on the table.
When should you place your napkin in your lap?
As soon as you sit down at the dining table.
What is the proper way to eat bread or rolls?
Break into small bites and butter each just before eating.
T or F: If asked a question while eating, you should answer immediately.
False. If you have food in your mouth, finishing chewing and swallow before speaking.
Y or N: I can stand up and walk away from the table without speaking.
No! Say "please excuse me" and then stand and leave.
If there are multiple utensils of the same kind next to your plate, which do you use first?
You should always work from the outside in.
If you excuse yourself from the table for a moment, where do you place your napkin?
On the seat of your chair
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.
If in doubt of etiquette at some point in a meal, what should you do?
Follow the lead of your host.
Y or N: I can burp at the table.
No! But sometimes it happens. When it does, say "excuse me!"
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 or spoon; then discreetly discard it at the edge of your plate.
T or F: It is okay to dip your napkin in your water glass to dab at a spot on your clothing.
False. If you spill something on your clothing, excuse yourself and leave the room.
T or F: It's okay to cut all your meat into small pieces at the beginning of the meal.
False. Meat should only be cut 1 or 2 pieces at a time.
How should you politely ask for something to be passed from the other end of the table?
Would you please pass the _________? Thank you!
Y or N: I can scroll on my phone at the table.
No! Reading anything other than the menu or a subject of the conversation is rude.
Where should your utensils be placed when you have finished your meal?
All utensils should be placed beside each other, diagonally across the center of your plate.
Once finished with a meal, where should your napkin be placed?
Placed loosely on the table next to your plate.
What is the polite 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. No slurping or soaking up with bread!
When dining with a group, when is it acceptable to begin eating?
When everyone at your table has been served or when your host gives permission.
Y or N: I can reach across the table to get something I want.
No! Only reach if the item is beside or in front of you. Otherwise, ask for it to be passed
There are two forks beside your plate, what is each called?
The first, smaller fork is the salad fork. The second, larger fork, closest to the plate, is the dinner fork.
T or F: Gently blotting your mouth is the proper way to use a napkin during a meal.
True
When a lady approaches or leaves a table, what should gentlemen do?
Gentlemen should stand unless the lady gives them permission to remain seated.
Elbows are never to rest on the table, but what about wrists?
Wrists may rest on the edge of the table.
Y or N: I can eat my meal without ever speaking to anyone else at the table.
No! "Small talk" at a table is polite. Not speaking at all is rude.