If you are new to fine dining, you might find it intimidating at first. You might not understand how to set up silverware on a table, something that could lead to miscommunication. It would be best if you were not worried or scared because you can quickly learn the language of cutlery setting. With the knowledge, is able to enjoy the pleasure that comes with fine dining. If you want to get it right, you first need to understand the types of cutlery and their respective uses. Table utensils include forks and knives, even though you will find different cutlery knives with each having a distinctive purpose.

How to set up cutlery on a table

Any fine cuisine requires you to conduct yourself in the manner expected of upscale clientele. Restaurant cutlery is essential for formal silverware setting. If you always go out for fine dining, it is likely that you have noticed a particular silverware layout for table cutlery that is standard in restaurants. Silverware setting for dinners follows a similar trend in most restaurants hence the need for clients to acquaint themselves with the language of dining cutlery that might require a specific fork and knife table setting. The unwritten rule in style of dining cutlery is that you should use items based on where they are located; those to the right be used by your right hand while those to the left are used by your left hand. It is not advisable to shift the cutlery once you start eating.

8 Basic Rules in the Language of Cutlery

Below is a guideline for the language of hotel cutlery for fine dining:

1. ‘I am still eating’If you are not done with your meal and wishes to relay this message without talking, just rest your cutlery on the plate in an upside-down position. You can also rest the knife along the plate’s top and place the fork vertically.
2. ‘I am done eating’When you are done with your food, you centrally put the knife and fork on your plate and point them to noon. You can also indicate you are done with the food by placing the fork and knives parallel to each other without any specific direction. This allows those serving you to take the utensils away.
3. ‘Ready to be served with the next meal’If you are fine dining, it is expected that there could be several meals to be served. If you have finished your meal and you want to be served with the next one, just cross the fork and knife on the plate with the positioning of the blade being horizontal and that of the fork being vertical.
4. ‘I enjoyed the meal’If you are done eating and feel the food was fantastic, you can easily show the server by arranging your cutlery. To tell the attendee that the meal was excellent and you enjoyed it, place the fork and knife horizontally across the plate while ensuring that the blade tine is facing right. The positioning will also alert the person serving you that you are done eating.
5. ‘Did not like the meal’When you did not like the meal and want to tell the attendee, just position the knife through the fork’s tines to form a V. The language is very similar to when you are not done eating, and they should not be mixed up.
6. ‘Know the forks to use’If you are not familiar with fine dining, you might find the entire table cutlery hard to use. It would help, therefore, that you start familiarizing yourself with how to use forks and knives. The simple rule is ‘start by using those from the outside and find your way in’. The pairs that are closest to the plate should be used last and those furthest to the plate used first.
7. ‘I respect the table cloth’When fine dining, it is vital to show respect to those serving you. If you are going to stain the table cloth, it will be a sign of disrespect. To indicate that you are respectful and appreciate the service, always place the cutlery back in the plate.
8. ‘I value hygiene’You can indicate that you value the hygiene of those around your table by ensuring that you do not use your spoon to serve foods that will be shared. Use the designated utensils for self-service.

How to use the napkin correctly

Using a towel might appear simple, but it is important that you get it right. Any fine dining should feature a napkin since it will help you keep any potential spills at bay. The positioning of the napkin does not matter because it will depend on the person who sets the table for you. In a professional silverware setting, it might be placed either on the plate, its side or in a glass. To ensure you do not have a hard time using the napkin, pick it, partly unfold it and place it across your lap.