Etiquette Tips with Lisa Orr

& ASC.

At ASC, we think etiquette is an important topic that’s not discussed nearly enough. We had expert, Lisa Orr, discuss some valuable tips for the dinner table.

As an etiquette and protocol consultant I teach every aspect of etiquette including social, dining, corporate and international but most of the time the thing that people are most nervous about is dining.  There are a few things that people always want to know so I have put together some simple tips on people’s most frequently asked questions:

Which one is my water glass?

The way I remember it is that I drink the way I write which for me is my right hand.  My husband doesn’t love this rule because he’s a lefty so for him  – I say the same thing to use his left hand but he has to remember to cross his plate.  The dining world really isn’t fair to left-handed people!

What is the “correct” way to eat with a knife and fork?

 There are different styles of dining around the world but the method I teach with a knife and fork is called continental.  The most important thing to remember when dining continental is that you always hold both pieces of cutlery while you are eating, fork in the left tines down and knife in the right and you only put both down when you’re taking a break, in which case you put the fork across the knife to form an X on your plate.  When you’re finished you should point your cutlery towards the northwest corner of the plate and fork tines should be down and the blade should face in.

Where does my napkin go?

First to dispel the napkin tucked in your collar myth there are only a few times when you can do it which include if you are on an airplane or somewhere turbulent, if you are eating lobster or if you are a child under FIVE (AKA someone who needs a bib).  The rest of the time napkins go on your lap.  There are two styles though little square lunch napkins are fully unfolded and a large dinner napkin should be partially in half to form a rectangle and the fold should go at your bellybutton.   Be very careful here though, all unfolding should happen on your lap, avoid the faux pas of shaking our your napkin beside you and then placing it, you’ll see some waiters do this at restaurants but it’s a no no.

Can I ever put my elbows on the table?

The answer to that question, I am very happy to report, is YES! When the meal is finished and all the dining has ended and you’re just having an after dinner and chat and a cocktail maybe then absolutely I was can go back on the table.

But remember the most important part about eating meals is enjoying great food with the special people in your life so if you focus on being engaged and respectful of the people you are with (and the people who are serving you your meal if you are out) – you’ll have great manners no matter which fork you use.

To read more about Lisa Orr, visit: www.lisaorretiquette.com