What order should you use your utensils when dining?

The first and basic rule to get you started is: Utensils are placed in the order of use; from the outside in. A second rule, with only a few exceptions, is: Forks go to the left of the plate, and knives and spoons go to the right. (The oyster fork is the only fork placed to the right of the setting if it will be used.)

Why do you hold a fork in your left hand?

When the fork gradually came into European use, it, too, was brought to the mouth from only the right hand. But in relatively modern times, Europeans started speeding things up by keeping the fork in the left hand even after it is used to steady food that is being cut by a knife held in the right hand.

How do you arrange silverware?

Silverware is placed in an even line, one inch from the edge of the table. The forks generally go on the left, with the exception of an oyster fork which goes to the far right of the spoons, and the knives and spoons go on the right. The cutting edges of knives are always placed toward the plate.

Which side do you hold a fork?

left
To cut the items in your plate, hold the knife in your right hand and the fork in your left hand, the tines facing down. Bend your wrists so that your index fingers are pointing down towards your plate.

Which hand should hold the fork?

left hand
In accordance with US “cut-and-switch” etiquette, diners begin with the fork in their left hand and the knife in their right, but after they’ve cut whatever it is they’re about to eat, the knife is put down and the fork is transferred to the right hand.

Where should the dinner knife should be placed?

The knife’s blade should always point inward, toward the dinner plate, since a blade pointing outward might come across as unfriendly, or possibly unsafe. Space all flatware as evenly as you can, depending on the size of your table and number of guests, and align it with the bottom of the charger or dinner plate.

Do napkins go on the right or left?

The napkin goes either to the left of the fork, or on the very outside. If you have three forks in a formal table setting, put the napkin on the plate. When you sit down, unfold the napkin, and put it in your lap. Once you’re finished eating, set your napkin down to the left of your plate.

What is the proper way to hold a fork and knife?

When cutting, hold the fork in your left hand in a pen-like hold, tines facing down. To follow the American style, hold the knife only while cutting, in which the fork tines should be closer to you than the knife.