Spoons, knives, and forks sound all fancy until you are at the dinner party where they are used the way they should be. Yes, foodies at home should stay real (by this we mean finger-licking real), but at the times when you enter a high-end dinner party or business gathering, it becomes important to mould yourself a bit and have a good idea of table etiquette. Knowing this matter is crucial in a series of situations where your first impression matters a lot!
Kitchen cutlery already creates an impact on us by the way it looks. While casual cutlery lets us attack the food, premium cutlery sets might make our backs go straight, toes on the floor, and slowness with every bite. Yes, it happens! Hence, it is very important to understand necessary cutlery etiquette , so that when fancy spoons, buttery forks, and a high-end brunch party call you, you don’t shy away from attending it.
In this blog, you will get to know about the most necessary yet uncommon etiquette that can change your dining stories, making you feel luxurious with purpose, calmness, and class.
Until then, tell them you’re coming!
Why Cutlery Etiquette Matters
They do matter a lot. They reflect social grace, promote the slow dining culture, and showcase respect towards the host or other members. We are so used to being under the comfort dining shell that we have almost forgotten the importance of demonstrating respect to the one who calls, cooks, and serves. Dining manners revive them all!
Here is a more detailed look at why cutlery etiquette matters:
1. Respect and Social Grace: Using cutlery the right way showcases social refinement and respect towards other people.
2. Communication at the Table: The way you use cutlery reflects your satisfaction towards the meal or whether you want to have the next meal or not.
3. Smooth Service: Knowing the proper placement of cutlery sets helps the servers understand your needs and serve you likewise.
1. Forks (Placed on the Left)
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Salad Fork: Positioned farthest to the left, this fork is slightly smaller and is used first- for salads as well as cold starters.
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Dinner Fork: Placed closest to the plate, this is the largest fork and is kept to use during the main course.
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Fish Fork: This one is optional. If the seafood is being served, then this fork is kept between the both above mentioned forks.
Quick tip:
One should always begin with the outermost fork and work your way inward with each course. Can’t break the order cutlery sets are placed in!
a) While having a continental meal, one should keep the fork in the left hand throughout the meal (tines facing down).
b) If you are having an American meal, you should cut food with the fork in your left hand and the knife in your right, then switch the fork to your right hand to eat with convenience.
2. Knives (Placed on the Right)
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Dinner Knife: Kept just right next to the plate, this is served for cutting meals or hearty entrees like grilled chicken, tofu, BBQ, etc.
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Salad or Fish Knife: Right after the dinner knife, there comes the salad or fish knife, functional for lighter dishes.
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Butter Knife: The butter knife is placed horizontally across the bread plate on the left side. This one is used to put butter on the bread. Yes, the same as the movies. Also, this one is smaller in size.
Quick tip:
The sharpened edge of every knife should face towards the plate, i.e., inwards, to prevent any accidental mishaps and reflect the meticulous organization of the table.
3. Spoons (Placed on the Right, Outside the Knives)
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Soup Spoon: Rounded or oval-shaped spoons that are kept the farthest to the right and are used for soups, broths, and consomme only.
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Dessert Spoon (Optional): Placed horizontally, you can find them above the dinner plate or brought out with the dessert course, depending on the setting.
Quick tip:
Spoons are meant for liquid or soft-textured dishes only. Hence, avoid using them for solid foods or to cut anything on your plate.
Now that you have understood the placement and usage of kitchen cutlery, It’s time to understand how to communicate through them. No, we aren’t kidding!
Communicate in the Meal Native Language
Drop your Spanish class plan, right now!
Just in case you are worried about how to order your meal at your brother’s destination wedding, well free your mind! Just by using your cutlery with confidence and grace, you can just get your work done. Here are several important cutlery positions and what they signify:
1. Pause- Resting Position
When you want to say: “Just on a break, not finished yet!”
Your cutlery’s gestures should say: An V drawn reversed, with the tips of the knife and fork touching the handles of any of the sides of your plate’s rim.
2. Finished- The Done Position
When you want to say: “I am full, and the plate may be cleared.”
Your cutlery’s gestures should say: Knife and fork placed in parallel position, whereas handles pointing to 4’o clock and tips 10’o clock.
3. Ready for the Next Course
When you want to say: "I’m done with this course and ready for the next."
Your cutlery’s gestures should say: Knife and fork kept side by side vertically and centred, with handles at 6 o'clock.
4. Excellent Meal
When you want to say: “What a dish!”
Your cutlery’s gestures should say: The knife and fork kept parallel, horizontally across the top of the plate, both tines and blade pointing towards 10 'o clock.
How to Hold and Use Cutlery Properly
Is having luxury cutlery set by your side enough? NO.
It doesn't even matter until and unless you don’t know how to treat them. As discussed, the meal is comfortable, but behaving professionally and politely in some situations is crucial. Here are some unsaid rules that you need to follow:
1. Hold the Knife like a pencil with your index finger resting along the spine for control, and your thumb and fingers gripping the handle.
2. When cutting food, use a smooth and gentle swaying motion. Avoid stabbing or forceful pressing, which is considered clumsy and can irritate your meal-mates.
3. While not in use, your knife and fork should rest gently on your plate rather than directly on the tablecloth. Mess and confusion are not allowed.
4. While occupied in a conversation, place your cutlery down between bites to avoid talking with utensils in hand. This can be distracting and impolite.
Wrapping Up…
Learning the art of kitchen cutlery signals is an essential part of a refined and elevated dining experience. The small and meaningful cutlery gestures just make everything so graceful, without even interrupting the servings or conversation. Whether you are pausing between bites, signalling that you have finished, or expressing the delight your taste buds got, understanding these cutlery etiquettes will enhance your confidence and will help you to demonstrate respect to your dining companions and hosts.
Remember, great table manners are uncommon yet basic. They are a form of thoughtful communication. So, next time you sit down at a high-end meal, let your cutlery talk with class, irresistible and unignored.
At Kairaus, we serve you luxury cutlery sets that stay with you with every meal. They not only add drama to the boring meals but also justify the concept of elegant and classy dining. Choose cutlery sets that compel you to follow etiquette, not pressurize.
