Dining Cheat Sheet

Forks on the left, knives and spoons on the right

BMW rule: Bread (left), Meal (center), Water (right)

Work from the outside in

The outermost utensils are for the first course

Dessert utensils at top of plate

Fork tines point right, spoon bowl points left

Bread plate is on your left

Your water glass is on your right

Place napkin on lap when seated

Unfold halfway, folded edge toward you

Blot, don't wipe

Gently blot your mouth, never scrub

Napkin on chair if excusing yourself

Loosely folded, not crumpled

Napkin left of plate when finished

Loosely placed, never refolded

Hold wine glass by the stem

Prevents warming the wine with your hand

White wine served chilled, red at room temp

Room temperature means cellar temperature (60-65°F)

Server fills glasses; don't pour for yourself

You may pour for others at casual dinners

Swirl, smell, sip when tasting

A small nod approves the wine for pouring

Wait for host to begin

Or wait until everyone is served

Match the pace of your fellow diners

Don't finish too quickly or too slowly

Small bites, easy conversation

Cut one or two bites at a time

Rest utensils in 'resting position' between bites

Crossed on plate, knife blade in, fork tines down

No phones at the table

Not even face-down; excuse yourself if urgent

Avoid controversial topics

Politics, religion, and personal finances

Engage neighbors on both sides

Don't monopolize one person

Compliment the meal, not the price

Acknowledge the host's hospitality