CEC Dining & Table Etiquette Flashcards

In American table setting, which fork is used first at a multi-course formal dinner?

Answer: The outermost fork, farthest from the plate

Silverware is used from the outside in, so the fork farthest from the plate is used for the first course.

What is the proper way to butter bread at a formal dinner?

Answer: Break off a small piece, butter only that piece, then eat it

You should break off a single bite-sized piece of bread and butter only that piece before eating it.

At a business dinner, when should a CEC advise clients to discuss business topics?

Answer: After the meal has been ordered and pleasantries exchanged

Business discussion at a business dinner should begin after ordering and initial social conversation, not immediately upon seating.

What does the 'BMWs' memory device stand for in table setting?

Answer: Bread (left), Meal (center), Water (right)

BMW stands for Bread on the left, Meal in the center, and Water (glass) on the right to help remember place setting positions.

Which glass should be used for water versus wine at a formal place setting?

Answer: The larger glass above the knife is for water; the smaller glass to its right is for wine

At a formal setting, the largest glass positioned above the knife is for water, and smaller wine glasses are placed to its right.

When hosting a formal dinner as a CEC, what is the proper seating arrangement for the guest of honor?

Answer: To the right of the host

The guest of honor is traditionally seated to the right of the host, as the right side is the position of highest honor.