Are You Practicing These Good Manners?

[Astronuc]

Stay away from Brits. THis left-handed, upside-down fork methodology is standard practice there; quite proper, I might add. Another thing I had to unlearn from my own mum.

Australians, too.

It is all passed down through our moms, isn't it? I learned from my mom, . . .

Well, my mom tried her best. I was just too recalcitrant.

No silverware, a smart move! I can eat potato salad with my fingers if need be. Licking the plate is also allowed.

OK, I can handle this.

Actually my mother is French. Very refined.

Your style and elegance shows.

Perhaps aristocratic table manners are too much to expect? I believe Miss Manners suggested these as correct.

Probably in my case. Miss Manners would probably faint in my presence.

On the other hand, I make a great guard dog. So not need to worry about muggers or purse snatchers. Just give me a bowl of water and a pat on the head, and I'm happy.

They eat like barbarians.

I could make a barbarian look civilized.

Actually, this is my problem - "Assuming you are right handed after you cut a piece of meat, put the knife down and out of your right hand and switch the fork to your right hand and then eat. Too many times people just cut and eat with the fork still in their left hand. " This is traditional British and Australian. However, I did learn to switch fork to right hand, but turn it upside down and use like a spoon - but delicately.

 

[Moonbear]

Actually, this is my problem - "Assuming you are right handed after you cut a piece of meat, put the knife down and out of your right hand and switch the fork to your right hand and then eat. Too many times people just cut and eat with the fork still in their left hand. " This is traditional British and Australian. However, I did learn to switch fork to right hand, but turn it upside down and use like a spoon - but delicately.

See, holding it in the direction that it could be used as a spoon seems like it's right side up to me. It always appears odd to me for someone to hold the fork the other way around, the way stuff would fall off easily if you didn't manage to fully stab it (I'm still trying to figure out how to eat crisp bacon with a fork...it's much easier to just grab a slice with your fingers, but when you're at a breakfast meeting, better etiquette seems required...scooping seems the only possible way).

 

[zanazzi78]

Actually, in the city, a man should walk on the inside. I learned the reason when I lived in Chicago and dated a very "streetwise" Italian. We were walkng on Rush Street and he insisted on walking on the inside, between me and the buildings. He explained that muggers and purse snatchers hid in the doorways and would grab at women, he wanted to put himself between me and possible harm. I had never even given any thought to it before then.

This is something my nan told me, the reason goes , if a car/ carrage! goes past and happens to go through a puddle the man would get soaked protecting the womans dress! i think it goes back to the victorian era when roads were full of potholes. But your Itallian guys reason is probably a little more upto date!

 

[motai]

Hmm.. wouldn't it be more logical if say, you were right handed and used the knife with the left hand, while maintaining the fork with the right hand? I'm sure that people don't have so little control with their left hand that they end up stabbing themselves or the person next to them. With this particular arrangement, there is no need to switch hands at all, so the process of eating is that much more efficient.

And I guess it can be adapted to upside-down usage, and can be reversed for left-handed people (knife on right hand, fork on left), though I personally don't see why an upside-down arrangement would be particularly useful in such a situation.

I have another idea. Eliminate the curvature of the fork so that there is no talk of all of this upside-down-up-frontside business.

 

[wolram]

From the wolram collection.


Formal Place Setting
Dining Etiquette
Table manners play an important part in making a favorable impression. They are visible signals of the state of our manners and therefore are essential to professional success. Regardless of whether we are having lunch with a prospective employer or dinner with a business associate, our manners can speak volumes about us as professionals.

Napkin Use

The meal begins when the host unfolds his or her napkin. This is your signal to do the same. Place your napkin on your lap, completely unfolded if it is a small luncheon napkin or in half, lengthwise, if it is a large dinner napkin. Typically, you want to put your napkin on your lap soon after sitting down at the table (but follow your host's lead). The napkin remains on your lap throughout the entire meal and should be used to gently blot your mouth when needed. If you need to leave the table during the meal, place your napkin on your chair as a signal to your server that you will be returning. The host will signal the end of the meal by placing his or her napkin on the table. Once the meal is over, you too should place your napkin neatly on the table to the right of your dinner plate. (Do not refold your napkin, but don't wad it up, either.)

Ordering

If, after looking over the menu, there are items you are uncertain about, ask your server any questions you may have. Answering your questions is part of the server's job. It is better to find out before you order that a dish is prepared with something you do not like or are allergic to than to spend the entire meal picking tentatively at your food.

An employer will generally suggest that your order be taken first; his or her order will be taken last. Sometimes, however, the server will decide how the ordering will proceed. Often, women's orders are taken before men's.

As a guest, you should not order one of the most expensive items on the menu or more than two courses unless your host indicates that it is all right. If the host says, "I'm going to try this delicious sounding cheesecake; why don't you try dessert too," or "The prime rib is the specialty here; I think you'd enjoy it," then it is all right to order that item if you would like.

"Reading" the Table Setting

Should you be attending a formal dinner or banquet with pre-set place settings, it is possible to gain clues about what may be served by "reading" the place setting. Start by drawing an imaginary line through the center of the serving plate (the plate will be placed in the center of your dining space). To the right of this imaginary line all of the following will be placed; glassware, cup and saucer, knives, and spoons, as well as a seafood fork if the meal includes seafood. It is important to place the glassware or cup back in the same position after its use in order to maintain the visual presence of the table. To the left of this imaginary line all of the following will be placed; bread and butter plate (including small butter knife placed horizontally across the top of the plate), salad plate, napkin, and forks. Remembering the rule of "liquids on your right" and "solids on your left" will help in allowing you to quickly become familiar with the place setting.

Use of Silverware

Choosing the correct silverware from the variety in front of you is not as difficult as it may first appear. Starting with the knife, fork, or spoon that is farthest from your plate, work your way in, using one utensil for each course. The salad fork is on your outermost left, followed by your dinner fork. Your soupspoon is on your outermost right, followed by your beverage spoon, salad knife and dinner knife. Your dessert spoon and fork are above your plate or brought out with dessert. If you remember the rule to work from the outside in, you'll be fine.

There are two ways to use a knife and fork to cut and eat your food. They are the American style and the European or Continental style. Either style is considered appropriate. In the American style, one cuts the food by holding the knife in the right hand and the fork in the left hand with the fork tines piercing the food to secure it on the plate. Cut a few bite-size pieces of food, then lay your knife across the top edge of your plate with the sharp edge of the blade facing in. Change your fork from your left to your right hand to eat, fork tines facing up. (If you are left-handed, keep your fork in your left hand, tines facing up.) The European or Continental style is the same as the American style in that you cut your meat by holding your knife in your right hand while securing your food with your fork in your left hand. The difference is your fork remains in your left hand, tines facing down, and the knife in your right hand. Simply eat the cut pieces of food by picking them up with your fork still in your left hand.

When You Have Finished

Do not push your plate away from you when you have finished eating. Leave your plate where it is in the place setting. The common way to show that you have finished your meal is to lay your fork and knife diagonally across your plate. Place your knife and fork side by side, with the sharp side of the knife blade facing inward and the fork, tines down, to the left of the knife. The knife and fork should be placed as if they are pointing to the numbers 10 and 4 on a clock face. Make sure they are placed in such a way that they do not slide off the plate as it is being removed. Once you have used a piece of silverware, never place it back on the table. Do not leave a used spoon in a cup, either; place it on the saucer. You can leave a soupspoon in a soup plate. Any unused silverware is simply left on the table.

 

[honestrosewater]

Well, I don't expect or want to be treated differently just because I'm a woman. Some people may want to be protected, supported, and catered to, and some may prefer to have an equal role in a relationship. I suggest treating people the way they want to be treated.

 

[Smurf]

The knife and fork should be placed as if they are pointing to the numbers 10 and 4 on a clock face.

Okay, I was ALWAYS taught that 5 and 11 were the proper positioning. Yet on this thread I've heard everything BUT those. Now, I'm sure it really doesn't matter if you hit 4 or 5 but the inconsistancy annoys me.

 

[quantumdude]

My most recent. Yes, he has. Even the Italian Stallion from Chicago that was from a working class family passed. Only one guy I went out on a date with failed, and someone set me up with him. I seem to be able to pick winners from a distance.

Heh, sorry for prying. It just seems like rules such as your "Fork Test" are a sure fire way to end up as a lonely cat lady. I have a test too, it's called the "Nitpicking About Inconsequential Details That Don't Mean A Hill Of Beans In Life Test". If a lady fails that one, then she gets kicked to the curb.

 

[matthyaouw]

I have a test too, it's called the "Nitpicking About Inconsequential Details That Don't Mean A Hill Of Beans In Life Test". If a lady fails that one, then she gets kicked to the curb.

Seconded

 

[Chi Meson]

Seriously, they are royalty. And have a castle, and are related to the Price of Wales and King William the 1st of England.

Does me absolutely no good.

Watch the fork of the Prince of Wales: left-hand, tines down (unless you actually DID mean the "price of wales"...dunno 'bout him).

 

[honestrosewater]

That's funny, I have a "Uses the Expression 'Hill of Beans' Test".

 

[stoned]

Actually my mother is French. Very refined. My Aunt and Uncle are a Count and Countess and own a very beautiful well known 14th century castle in France. I was raised with Aristrocratic manners. gravenworld is absolutely correct in what he wrote. I've known that all my life.

Perhaps aristocratic table manners are too much to expect? I believe Miss Manners suggested these as correct.

why we need to know that ?

ps. actually I'm kinda jealus not having blue blood in me

 

[wolram]

Okay, I was ALWAYS taught that 5 and 11 were the proper positioning. Yet on this thread I've heard everything BUT those. Now, I'm sure it really doesn't matter if you hit 4 or 5 but the inconsistancy annoys me.

I can let you off for not placing your knife and fork correctly, as long as you remeber not to scrunch up your napkin and place it to the right of your plate.

 

[hypatia]

note to the ladies wearing silks or satin..or other slippy cloths

Fold your napkin in a triangle shape, and put the point side towards your knees and the napkin won't slip off your lap!

 

[Bladibla]

1. When breaking up, no 'lets be friends' BS. Saves time for both of the people.

 

[motai]

1. When breaking up, no 'lets be friends' BS. Saves time for both of the people.

Perhaps you meant to write this post in https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=83152&page=2 rather than the Good Manners thread?

 

[Bladibla]

Perhaps you meant to write this post in https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=83152&page=2 rather than the Good Manners thread?

No, i meant it for this thread. Maybe it is applicable for both, but it is good manners to..break up in such way.

 

[Evo]

I hope I didn't offend anyone with my fork tirade. My dog died yesterday and I drank too much last night. Nothing worse than drunken posting.

My girls and I are very sad. He was a great dog.

 

[Bladibla]

I hope I didn't offend anyone with my fork tirade. My dog died yesterday and I drank too much last night. Nothing worse than drunken posting.

My girls and I are very sad. He was a great dog.

My goodness! Which one? Fruit-eater or JOD?

 

[Evo]

My goodness! Which one? Fruit-eater or JOD?

The fruit bat is my older daughter's and he is still here. JOD is a freak of nature, not a dog.

This was Kevin, our "actual" dog. (I live on an acre of land). He was a Brittany Spaniel and the sweetest, most loving dog ever. He always carried a stuffed animal with him where ever he went, we called them his "babies". His nickname was "the love dog".

I'm still crying.

Now I have the fruit bat, which I do love, and JOD. Not sure what to do with her (JOD), Kevin loved her for some unknown reason, which is why she is still here. Two vets said she had "serious issues". Yeah, no kidding. She's the JAWS OF DEATH.

 

[Astronuc]

I hope I didn't offend anyone with my fork tirade.

Actually it was kind of cute.

My dog died yesterday and I drank too much last night. Nothing worse than drunken posting.

My girls and I are very sad. He was a great dog.

I am very sorry to hear about Kevin. May his spirit be at peace.

I too have been very close to all the animals who share our house, and it is very painful when they die. My condolences to you and your girls.

 

[Evo]

I am very sorry to hear about Kevin. May his spirit be at peace.

I too have been very close to all the animals who share our house, and it is very painful when they die. My condolences to you and your girls.

Thank you, it's almost like losing a family member. The child of evo was saying how she can't really remember him not being around, she was little when she picked him out.

 

[Astronuc]

Thank you, it's almost like losing a family member. The child of evo was saying how she can't really remember him not being around, she was little when she picked him out.

The year my brother died, we euthenized our two oldest cats, on two successive days. The oldest was a Calico, Pumpkin, who we had since the first year my wife and I were married. We got her as an abandoned kitten. The other was, Spencer, an orange tiger striped cat. He was also abandoned, and came to us two years after Pumpkin. Our oldest dog, Ellie, died the following year. She was a mixed breed terrier.

During August of last year, I had to euthenize another cat, a mostly black tortoise shell, Pepper, who had been with us 17 years.

Now we have two cats (http://www.everything-science.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=82&topic=2246.msg55705#msg55705), a dog (Yorkie named Sassie), and a parakeet (Peter).

 

[honestrosewater]

I'm very sorry, Evo. I wish you and your family the smoothest recovery.

 

[Moonbear]

Heh, sorry for prying. It just seems like rules such as your "Fork Test" are a sure fire way to end up as a lonely cat lady. I have a test too, it's called the "Nitpicking About Inconsequential Details That Don't Mean A Hill Of Beans In Life Test". If a lady fails that one, then she gets kicked to the curb.

Oh goody, I'm not eliminated yet.

 

[Moonbear]

Thank you, it's almost like losing a family member. The child of evo was saying how she can't really remember him not being around, she was little when she picked him out.

Oh, so sorry to hear this. The furry ones are the hardest to lose. (I'd probably have something better to say if I wasn't so drunk the screen is moving!)

 

[honestrosewater]

What's with everyone being drunk all of a sudden? Or have I just not been paying attention until now?

 

[hypatia]

Sorry to hear that Evo, its so hard to loose a animal friend. Sounds like he was a great pet.

 

[heman]

Thank you, it's almost like losing a family member. The child of evo was saying how she can't really remember him not being around, she was little when she picked him out.

Hi Evo,

I don't get the point ,why you say "child of Evo"!Is it some other Evo or are they your kids!
i guess they must be of my age!

 

[juvenal]

R.I.P, furry one.