Leaving silverware on a plate at a fancy restaurant can convey different messages to the waitstaff and other diners. There are specific table manners to follow, depending on whether you have finished your meal or are taking a break. Here's the etiquette for both scenarios:
Finished your meal:
- Place your knife and fork together diagonally across the center of the plate with the fork tines facing upwards. The tips of the utensils can rest around 4 o'clock on the plate, and the handles at around 10 o'clock.
- If there are additional utensils, such as a soup spoon or dessert fork, place them above the main utensils, arranging them in the order they were used, from the outermost to the innermost.
Taking a break during the meal:
- Position your knife and fork in a "V" shape, with the tips pointing up, to indicate that you intend to continue eating. Rest the knife with its blade facing inward and the fork tines facing upwards.
- If there are additional utensils for later courses, place them parallel to the cutlery, aligned with the handles.
Remember, these table manners are just general guidelines, and different restaurants might have variations in their protocols. Additionally, the service staff is trained to read these signals, so they will often know when you are finished with a course or taking a break, even if you don't place your silverware in a particular way.
When you're ready for the plate to be cleared, it's best to leave your silverware in the finished position. The waitstaff will interpret this as a sign that you are done with your meal, and they will remove your plate appropriately. If you need assistance or have any questions about the restaurant's table manners, don't hesitate to politely ask the waitstaff for guidance.