How To Set A Formal Table And Fine Dining Etiquette – Infographic
When I was in Grade Seven, during a class trip to Quebec City, we learned about proper fine dining etiquette. Our lesson included when to use certain types of cutlery and glassware. Essentially, you learned how to set a formal table for a nice dinner and how to eat properly with all the utensils and glassware.
My parents and grandparents taught me much of what was part of the lesson. They showed me the European way of holding a fork in my left hand and my knife in my right. Most of my fellow students used their right hand for the fork. Many didn’t know in which hand the knife went!
Yet, there were many other things that I didn’t know.
Many of the extra knives and forks that were placed before me were a mystery. Which one to pick up for the salad? Which one to use for the entree?
By the end of the lesson, we all looked like we could do a High Tea in a fine restaurant. Pinky fingers up, holding the cup!
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Fine Dining Etiquette And Tips
We did learn all the basics, but it’s been a long time since Grade Seven.
I found this fine dining etiquette infographic on Daily Infographic a few years ago and couldn’t resist re-posting it here. It’s one of the most comprehensive and best-displayed examples of what the etiquette is for fine dining. Not to mention, it gives you tips on how to set the table for a fine dinner party in your own home.
Many of these tips can be applied to any dining situation: you will look cultured while “chowing down.”
A few of the key points for table etiquette include:
- As each serving is set before you, you use the utensils from the outside in.
- Note which foods should be used with your fingers: asparagus, corn on the cob, artichokes, bread, hors d’oeuvres, chips, cookies, fruit with stems and sandwiches and fries. At all other times, use your correct utensil.
- Fork in your left hand, knife in your right hand. Don’t switch them up.
- When you’re finished, don’t put your used utensils on the table. Instead, place them on your plate, with the tips facing the 11 PM position.
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Are We Losing Etiquette In Western Society?
Etiquette seems to be a thing that we’re losing in Western society. There was a time when rules as to how to eat, set the table and how to be around people were something kids were taught in schools and at home. Today, we have to resort to these reminders if we’re at all interested in them.
There’s more than just dining etiquette. Travelling by tour bus also requires some etiquette to make sure everybody enjoys the trip. Always good to brush up on it before you start the trip.
I also brush up on fine dining etiquette before I dine in the top restaurants, particularly in Europe where certain standards need to be met.
Now get out there and do some fine dining!
QUESTION: What do you find the most frustrating about fine dining? Do you focus on how to set the table, or do you do it “your way?”
NOTE: This post was updated October 2018 with new information.
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We had an etiquette workshop at a conference a few years and I still use it … your left hand makes a “b” for your bread plate and your right hand makes a “d” for your drink/glass. I still use it :)
That’s a very good tip. Never thought of it!
Do you happen to remember the where you did this in Quebec City. I want to arrange something like this for my kid’s school but am finding it hard to locate in the Internet. I too did something like this in grade school and it was quite memorable. Thanks!
Hi Julie – it was so many years ago. Who knows if they still do this. I think it was Chateau Frontenac at their restaurant, but I can’t be too sure.
Great tips to know for all the upcoming gatherings people will attend!
I am always SO bad at this and it really gets me at the holidays. Thank you for this super helpful guide!
This is something I often mess up but I really try to follow.
I’m the same way. Setting the table is always a challenge, especially since I have a little one who likes to mess it all up!
You’re welcome! Hope this helps over the upcoming Holidays!
Dining in style for all the upcoming celebrations!
Thanks for sharing! I know how to set a basic table but I’m am out on the fancy dinner etiquette or how to set a table with multiple forks haha. Always good info to have on hand!
It’s the multiple forks and knives that get me all the time! Glad this could help!
Please. Proof read your articles.
The layout and the instructions for use of the flat ware DO NOT match.
Very confusing for newbies——
I believe I followed the infographic with the tips. Can you please clarify what’s confusing? Other than the dessert spoon and fork at the end, I followed the “rules” in my tips.
I always thought the sharp end of the dinner knife was to face towards the dinner plate. Maybe l saw the picture wrong.
Ironically, the picture of the setting has the knife facing wrong way.!!
The other example is correct.
I was confused for a bit.hahaha