Is there an easy way to remember which plate, glass, or fork to use?
Regarding formal dining and etiquitte:
When I am at a rectangular table, a quick glance to the end of the table helps me figure out which roll plate and glass is mine. But I can never remember the rules when I am at a round table. Usually no one can, and they all wait for the first person to start, and then follow his lead.
How can you help me remember?
Xfactor
on November 30th, -0001
Glasses at the right of your plate are the RIGHT ones…forks are easy, you start with the one furthest from the left side of your plate, and work your way in with each course. The bread and butter plate doesn’t belong at a formally set table, and so there is no decent rule for where it should be when it shows up anyway….the reason for this error is that so many people belive that restaurant service is “correct” and try to duplicate it at home.
When in doubt, watch your hostess.
SimpleStripes
on November 30th, -0001
I concur with Uppity…A formal setting, with utensils usually goes UP in size form left to right. So, start left and go UP in size. Sometimes salad is serves AFTER the main course, and that could potentially mess you up.
You can’t go wrong with watching your host/hostess, as Uppity recommended.