Table Manners in England (UK)
The British generally pay a lot of attention to good table manners.Even young children are expected to eat properly with knife and fork.
We eat most of our food with cutlery.The foods we don't eat with a knife,fork or spoon include sandwiches,crisps,corn on the cob,and fruit.
Things you should do:
If you cannot eat a certain type of food or have some special needs,tell your host several days before the dinner party.
If you are a guest,it is polite to wait until your host starts eating or indicates you should do so.It shows consideration.
Always chew and swallow all the food in your mouth before taking more or taking a drink.
You may eat chicken and pizza with your fingers if you are at a barbecue,finger buffet or very informal setting.Otherwise always use a knife and fork.
Always say thank you when served something.It shows appreciation.
When eating rolls,break off a piece of bread before buttering.Eating it whole looks tacky.
When eating soup,tip the bowl away from you and scoop the soup up with your spoon.
When you have finished eating,and to let others know that you have,
place your knife and folk together,with the prongs (tines) on the fork facing upwards,on your plate.
In a restaurant,it is normal to pay for your food by putting your money on the plate the bill comes on.
Things you should not do:
Never lick or put your knife in your mouth.
It is impolite to start eating before everyone has been served unless your host says that you don't need to wait.
Never chew with your mouth open.No one wants to see food being chewed or hearing it being chomped on.
It is impolite to have your elbows on the table while you are eating.
Don't reach over someone's plate for something,ask for the item to be passed.
Never talk with food in your mouth.
It is impolite to put too much food in your mouth.
Never use your fingers to push food onto your spoon or fork.
It is impolite to slurp your food or eat noisily.
Never blow your nose on a napkin (serviette).Napkins are for dabbing your lips and only for that.
Never take food from your neighbours plate.
Never pick food out of your teeth with your fingernails.
Things that are ok to do:
It is ok to eat and drink something while walking down the street,unless you want to seem posh.
It is ok to pour your own drink when eating with other people,but it is more polite to offer pouring drinks to the people sitting on either side of you.
It is ok to put milk and sugar in your tea and coffee or to drink them both without either.
I am not used to eating with a knife and fork.What do I need to know?
We eat continental style,with fork in the left hand and the knife in the right (or the other way round if you are left handed).At the top of your plate will be a dessert spoon and dessert fork.
If you are eating at a formal dinner party,you will come across many knives and forks.Start with the utensils on the outside and work your way inward with each subsequent course
How to eat with a knife and fork in England
The fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right.
If you have a knife in one hand,it is wrong to have a fork in the other with the prongs (tines) pointed up.
Hold your knife with the handle in your palm and your folk in the other hand with the prongs pointing downwards.