Forks, spoons, knives: Do you copy?

Sitting on the dining table enjoying food is an awesome feeling, yes. And when you get the chance to enjoy the meal with family and friends it becomes a special moment.  But what happens when you are confused on where to place your cutlery, causing a messy meal intake?

 

Now let’s get educated on the three main cutleries; the fork, spoon and knife.

 

The spoon

This is for eating or serving; it is a scooped utensil with long handle which is often straight.

 

The fork

A utensil with spikes used to put solid food into the mouth, or to hold food down while cutting

 

The knife

A utensil designed for cutting, consisting of a flat piece of hard material, with the sharper and blunt end, the former used for the cutting.

 

When a table is set, how do you place either of these cutleries?

Place the fork on the left side of the plate, and the knife on the right side. If there is a spoon, place it by the right side of the knife.

 

When eating?

Place the fork in the left hand and the knife on the right which helps wheedle your food onto your fork.

 

Knowing the proper etiquette and style for using cutlery is important, especially in more formal dining settings. How do you use the three?

Cut a chunk of your food with the knife while using the fork to stabilise it. Only cut a bite at a time and eat it before you cut the next.

In some cases, it is acceptable to eat using only a fork. For instance, when eating just a salad or pasta, a knife is not needed.

You can use the knife to push food that can’t be speared, like beans, onto your fork.

Use a spoon with your dominant hand to eat soups or other liquids

Use your spoon for the right dishes. Spoons are used to eat liquid-based food, such as soups. Spoons are also used to eat mushier or softer foods such as ice cream, pap, or mashed potatoes. Avoid using spoons to eat solid foods.

 

What are the rules of cutlery placement?

Place your spoon on your plate when finished.

In general, you should not place your spoon back in a bowl when you finish eating. This could confuse the waiter, as they may think you’re still eating.

Do not use your fingers to push food onto your spoon. It is considered bad table manners. If you have to push food to eat with a spoon, then a fork is better used to eat this kind of food.

Place all cutleries for the meal, even if not used, back in the plate when you are finished.