Signals with Silverware, Vol. 24, Issue 15

Dear Etiquetteer:

I know how I was taught, but what is your take on this? I see some people crossing their utensils when finished their meals. While this is a good signal to the waitstaff that one is finished, it makes it difficult to secure the flatware while carrying the plate. What does Etiquetteer say about the placement of fork and knife when finished with a meal?

Dear Diner:

First, how refreshing to find someone who is concerned about the experience of the servers doing their jobs. Thank you kindly!

You are correct that crossed silver makes removing a plate more difficult, but it’s not a good signal that someone has finished eating because . . .

The most Perfectly Proper way to indicate that you have finished your meal is not to cross your silver, but to position it in the 10-4 o’clock position, as seen at left. Just as Perfectly Proper is is the 6-12 o’clock position. In both these positions, the fork tines face up and the knife blade faces in. With the handles together, it’s much easier for the staff to hold them in place while clearing.

10-4, good buddy. This position is used more on the left side of the Atlantic.

6-12. When visiting the upper right side of the Atlantic, use this position.

Cognoscenti could consider this the Norwegian Blue position.

Crossed silver, as here, should signal to the staff that you’re taking a break, resting briefly from the labors of eating. Notice that the fork tines face down, arcing over the knife blade which faces in.

If conversation is the most important part of a meal*, then everything done at the table should foster good uninterrupted conversation. Diners communicate with their silver to avoid having to pause the conversation to say “Yes, thank you, I’m finished.” But now we can sit at a table of ten and see eight different ways to Say It With Silver — so many that it leaves the staff no choice but to ask each and every person “May I clear this?” or “Are you finished?” Which defeats the purpose.

Let’s do what we can to show thoughtfulness to the staff by using the 10-4 or 12-6, setting a quiet example for other diners. And now, shall we go into the drawing room for coffee?

*Obviously the food is, too, but Etiquetteer has quoted the late Mary Haines on this subject before: “They are equally important, darling.”