Table Setting Survival Guide

We're all familiar with that scene in Titanic when Jack goes to a dinner party with the first class passengers. He looks at the table to find just about a million plates, bowls, forks, knives, spoons, glasses, and just about everything else you can think of! The helpful Unsinkable Molly Brown leans in to help him and we’re all relieved.

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So just how do we all navigate that minefield of mistakes? The best place to start is knowing each component of the setting.

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On the left of the plate you can find forks, a butter plate, and your napkin. The napkin can also be on the plate. Usually there are multiple forks. The fork furthest from your plate is the salad fork, and the closer one is the dinner fork. As a rule of thumb, always work inside out.

On the right of the plate you can find glasses or cups, knives, and spoons. Like the forks, start from the outside. The one on the outside is usually used for soup.

If you’re wondering “But what about my favorite part of the meal?” you’re not missing out. The dessert utensils are normally placed above the plate or served with the dessert.

Now for just a few miscellaneous do’s and don’ts while eating at a meeting:

• ·      Don’t touch your hair or face excessively
• ·      Don’t hold utensils in fists caveman style
• ·      Don’t talk with your utensils brandishing them like a wand or baton. You’ll put someone’s eye out!
• ·      Do use your napkin frequently
• ·      Do wait for everyone to get their meal before you start eating
• ·      Don’t talk with food in your mouth or crunch on ice
• ·      Don’t hold a cup and a fork at the same time
• ·      Do pace yourself
• ·      Do cut everything into small pieces
• ·      Do excuse yourself if you need to leave
• ·      Do keep your elbows off the table

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When you’re finished eating, place your napkin to the left of your plate. Your silverware should be placed parallel to each other and pointing to 11 o’clock. These small gestures will kindly let the waiter know you are finished so you can carry on the rest of your meeting!

Thanks to University of Delaware’s Career Services Center for the helpful information in their pamphlet “Business Dining Etiquette,” and Mike Lininger’s article “Interview Etiquette at the Table.”