Properly Eat at a Formal Dinner

Are you unfamiliar with the rules and standards for eating a formal dinner? Don't worry, all first timers are, and it's OK. Not to fret though, this article will easily get you through the entire meal without being laughed at, you may even get a compliment or two for knowing so much without ever being to such a fancy dinner.

Starting out, you will see an arrangement of forks, spoons, knives, and cups all around you. Each one has their separate use, and should be used appropriately. Let's begin with cups.

There are three different cups. The largest one is for water. After that, there will be two bowl shaped ones. The larger one is reserved for red wine, while the narrower one is used for white wine. Beyond the two wine glasses, it's usually quite easy to tell the two apart without me having to tell you, so this is hard to screw up. What's harder is know what utensil to use and when.

It all depends on the course. If you have soup first, use the spoon on the outside of the spoon arrangement. If it is a meal requiring a fork, use the fork on the outside. With each meal, you will continue using whatever utensil is on the outside the most at that time. This rule also applies to knives. You will also notice notice utensils, either a fork, spoon, or both at the top of your plate. Do not use these until later, as they are for dessert.

In addition to using the outside utensil, there is also a certain way to signify that you are finished with your course. If the course requires a fork, place the fork to the right of your plate, pointing out slightly diagonally.

If it is a soup dish, there are two ways to signify you are finished, and it depends on the size of your bowl. If you are using a wide/deep bowl, place your spoon on the plate directly underneath the bowl. If the bowl is shallow though, emulate what you would do with a fork to show you are finished, by placing it to the right and diagonally.

Sometimes there is also a small bowl filled with water at the table. If these are made available, they are used to clean the tips of your fingers by dipping them and wiping them on your napkin.

Speaking of napkin, how do you use yours in these meals? Unfold the napkin and place it on your lap, but do not spread it out. Also when you are finished entirely, fold up the napkin and place in on your plate.

The meal may seem daunting at first, but by knowing these rules, I promise you will get out of it without being laughed at. You may even have fun, provided you remember how to eat properly.