Proper Etiquette for Picking Up Silverware

Part of the Video Series Dinner Etiquette & Proper Table Manners

Viewing videos requires the latest version of Adobe's Flash Player.
Get the latest Flash player.

Member Comments

Login or register to be the first to comment on this article!

Video Transcript

Proper Etiquette for Picking Up Silverware
Hello I am Elena Brouwer from the International Etiquette Center in Hollywood, Florida. Continuing with our table manners, let’s now pick up our silverware and learn the right way to do it. your forks are always going to be on your left, your knifes are always going to be on your right and it is because that is the way you are going to use it whether you are right handed or left handed. Most people would hold the silverware like that. If you are left handed and you prefer to switch, just do it at the time that you are going to eat. Do no switch all of the silverware when you first sit at the table because it does not look nice. So let’s go on, we have our silverware, the fork will be placed on your index finger and then you’re other fingers around it, and you turn your hand. Your knife will be with the top index finger right here and the rest of the fingers wrapped around it. This is how we are going to eat whether it is American or continental. It is important when you are eating that you do not spread out your arms, always keep it close to your body.

About the Expert

Expert: Ms. Elena Brouwer is an internationally recognized etiquette and protocol expert, certified by the prestigious Protocol School of Washington, D.C. Read More

Arts & Entertainment | Business | Careers | Cars | Computers | Culture & Society | Education | Electronics | Fashion, Style & Personal Care | Food & Drink | Health | Hobbies, Games & Toys | Holidays & Celebrations | Home & Garden | Internet | Legal | Music | Parenting | Parties & Entertaining | Personal Finance | Pets | Relationships & Family | Sports & Fitness | Travel | Weddings | Bartending | Cooking Dictionary
Partner Sites: Airliners | How to Articles | Answers | Funny Videos
Demand Media