How to Eat with Fork & Knife (Etiquette Basics & Beyond)

Video Description

Learn the methods of eating with a knife and fork properly, the basic rules, and the dos & don’ts: https://gentl.mn/eat-fork-knife-etiquette #etiquette #tablemanners #notsponsored SHOP THE VIDEO: → Madder Print Silk Tie in Red with Buff Micropattern: https://gentl.mn/red--buff-micropattern-tie → Silver Eagle Claw Cufflinks with Lapis Lazuli Balls: https://gentl.mn/lapis-lazuli-silver-eagle-claw → Copper Red Pocket Square Art Deco Egyptian Scarab Pattern: https://gentl.mn/copper-red-pocket-square-art-deco → Navy and Khaki Shadow Stripe Socks: https://gentl.mn/navy-khaki-shadow-stripe-socks GUIDES YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS: → Ultimate Table Manners Guide: https://gentl.mn/table-etiquette-guide → Restaurant Etiquette: https://gentl.mn/restaurant-etiquette-guide VIDEO CREDITS: → Scriptwriter: E.J. Daniels → Camera & Editing: Chris Dummer → Visual Supervisor: Preston Schlueter Sven Raphael Schneider → Paramount Pictures → Universal Pictures → Disney → ABC Want to see more videos? Subscribe to our channel! → https://gentl.mn/youtube Become a part of the Gentleman's Gazette community - support us on Patreon! https://gentl.mn/patron Want to join our team? Take a look at our open positions! https://gentl.mn/work-with-us ________________________________________________________________________ Gentleman's Gazette https://gentl.mn/homepage-gentlemansgazette-03 https://gentl.mn/FB-accessories-02 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gentlemansgazette Gentleman Quiz: https://gentl.mn/3mins-gentlemansgazette-quiz-01 00:00 Eating with Fork & Knife Introduction When dining, you’re going to want to enjoy yourself, and the people you’re with, but with etiquette varying across continents, it’s easy to get confused. We talk about how to eat with a fork and knife properly so you don’t embarrass yourself and can focus on the company you have tableside. 01:35 American (Zig-Zag) Style At the core, it means that you eat the majority of your food with your dominant hand and your fork only. While you eat with your dominant hand, your other hand rests on your lap or underneath the table. In Europe, that wouldn’t be considered proper at all. 07:02 Continental (European) Style It’s used in most parts of the world, except, of course, the US. The important difference is that both the fork and the knife are held in both hands throughout the meal. 10:56 Which Style Is Better? Ultimately, the choice of which style you choose is entirely yours; however, if you’re switching styles or if you’re planning to up your table manner game, we suggest you practice at home, so you become really comfortable, and it’s all second nature. 13:52 Pausing & Resting Your Fork & Knife Table manners are not something that is universally adhered to. So, your staff may not have the proper training, and they may not recognize that this is what you’re trying to communicate. Again, it’s important for you to understand what surroundings you’re in. At a high-end hotel, they will certainly take that clue. At a low-brow establishment, maybe not. 15:32 How to Show You're Finished Eating So, why are there really different styles to begin with? The Continental Style is older. The use of fork and knife to eat became standardized in the Western World in the 17th century. Ironically, the American Style was developed in France during the 18th century. At the time, it was thought it appeared more elegantly when one hand would rest while the other would do the eating. The cultural exchange between France and the US brought the style over to the US. 17:35 Cultural Differences in Fork and Knife Usage Also keep in mind that etiquette can vary, not just based on the establishment you’re in, but also based on the type of food you eat. 21:47 Specialty Pieces: Salad Fork 22:37 Steak Knife 23:16 Bread Knife & Plate 24:55 A Word on Potatoes 26:01 Fish Cutlery 26:45 Dessert Fork 28:36 22 Fork & Knife Do’s & Don’ts: 1. Understand Your Surroundings 2. Don’t Eat With Your Knife 3. Give People A Chance To Eat 4. Use Quality Silverware 5. Don’t Use Plastic Utensils 6. Use A Firm Grip 7. Hold Your Fork & Knife Properly 8. Take Small To Moderate Bites 9. Don’t Use Your Fork Like A Shovel 10. Bring Your Fork To Your Mouth 11. No Elbows Or Arms On The Table 12. Don’t Slice Yur Food All AT Once 13. Use The Right Utensils For The Job 14. Request New Silverware When Needed 15. Don’t Make Excessive Noise With Silverware 16. Use Communal Flatware When Available 17. Rest Used Utensils On the Plate 18. Don’t Leave Half-Eaten Food On Fork 19. Don’t Gesture With Your Silverware 20. Allow Your Silverware To Be Taken Away 21. Don’t Hang Onto Your Silverware 22. Keep Leftover Sauce On Your Plate If you’re interested in more etiquette guides, or other things in that vein, please share with us in the comments. 37:30 Outfit Rundown