CEC CEC Dining & Table Etiquette 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: At a formal American place setting, where is the bread plate positioned?
- To the left of the dinner plate (Correct answer)
- To the right of the dinner plate
- Above the dinner plate
- Below the dinner plate
Correct answer: To the left of the dinner plate
The bread plate is always placed to the upper left of the dinner plate in a formal American place setting.
Question 2: When is it appropriate for a dinner guest to begin eating at a formal seated meal?
- After the host or hostess has begun eating or signals guests to start (Correct answer)
- As soon as their plate is served
- Once at least half the table has been served
- After saying grace or a blessing
Correct answer: After the host or hostess has begun eating or signals guests to start
Guests wait for the host to begin or signal before starting to eat at a formal seated meal.
Question 3: Which direction should dishes be passed at the dinner table when sharing?
- To the right
- To the left (Correct answer)
- Either direction is acceptable
- Toward the person who asked
Correct answer: To the left
Food is conventionally passed to the right (counterclockwise) at the dinner table.
Question 4: What is the correct way to signal a server that you have finished your meal in American dining?
- Place fork and knife diagonally across the plate at the 4 o'clock position (Correct answer)
- Push the plate to the edge of the table
- Stack your silverware on the plate
- Turn your plate upside down
Correct answer: Place fork and knife diagonally across the plate at the 4 o'clock position
Placing fork and knife diagonally at the 4 o'clock position signals to servers that you have finished eating.
Question 5: When eating soup at a formal dinner, the spoon should be moved in which direction?
- Away from you, toward the far side of the bowl (Correct answer)
- Toward you, from the far side of the bowl
- In a circular stirring motion
- Straight down into the bowl then straight up
Correct answer: Away from you, toward the far side of the bowl
The correct technique is to push the soup spoon away from you toward the far side of the bowl before bringing it to your mouth.
Question 6: Which of the following is correct etiquette when excusing yourself from the dinner table?
- Place your napkin loosely on your chair seat (Correct answer)
- Fold your napkin and place it to the left of your plate
- Leave your napkin on the table unfolded
- Tuck your napkin into your collar before leaving
Correct answer: Place your napkin loosely on your chair seat
When temporarily leaving the table, you place your loosely folded napkin on your chair to signal you will return.
CEC CEC Dining & Table Etiquette 1
At a formal American place setting, where is the bread plate positioned?