1. Fork and Knife Placement
Once you finish your meal, the first thing you should do is place your utensils in the center of the plate. Place your knife and fork together horizontally on the right side of the plate with the sharp edge of the blade facing inward towards the center of the plate. This placement indicates to the server that you have finished with your meal.
2. Chopsticks Placement
If you are using chopsticks, it is important to place them back in their chopstick holder or on the chopstick rest as a sign of respect. You should never place chopsticks vertically in your rice bowl, as it is considered a symbol of death in many Asian cultures.
3. Spoon Placement
After finishing your soup or dessert, place your spoon horizontally with the bowl facing up on the right side of the plate. If you used a teaspoon for stirring your coffee or tea, place it on the saucer provided.
4. Glass or Cup Placement
If you have a glass or a cup, it should be placed on the right side of the plate, above the utensils. If the glass or cup came with a saucer, place it underneath the glass or cup.
5. Napkin Placement
Once you finish your meal, gently place your napkin neatly beside your plate, making sure the soiled part is folded inward. Do not crumple or wad it up, as it is considered impolite and messy.
6. Wait for Everyone to Finish
It is essential to wait for everyone to finish eating before placing your utensils. If you are the first to finish, exercise patience, wait politely for everyone else to finish their meal, and only then should you proceed to place your utensils.
7. Do Not Stack Utensils
Do not stack your utensils on top of each other, as it is difficult for servers to remove them. Additionally, it is not appealing to have a pile of dirty utensils on your plate.
In conclusion, properly placing your utensils at the end of your meal displays your appreciation for the meal and shows respect for the host, server, and fellow diners. Etiquette teaches us to be thoughtful individuals and appreciate the efforts put into preparing a meal. It is important to follow these simple tips when placing utensils to avoid any disrespect towards the host or the server. By following these guidelines, one can express gratitude and appreciation while also displaying good table manners.