Table manners quiz

Hispanic Times Magazine, Fall, 2003 by Diana Craig

Question 1:    Where should you put your dinner napkin when you
               temporarily leave the table in a
               restaurant?

Question 2:    True or false: White and red wine glasses are held in
               the hand the same way, by the
               stem.

Question 3:    What should you do first if you must drink water or a
               beverage during a meal?

Question 4:    True or false: When cutting food with a knife and fork
               prior to eating it, it is proper
               to cut only two pieces at a time.

Question 5:    When someone asks you to pass the salt, what three
               things should you know?

Question 6:    Where is the dessert fork traditionally found in a
               formal place setting?

Question 7:    True or false: When you are toasted, you should take a
               sip of your wine or other
               beverage before acknowledging the toast.

Question 8:    True or false: Spaghetti should always be eaten with a
               fork twisting the strands
               against a spoon.

Question 9:    True or false: Open face sandwiches should always be
               eaten with a knife and fork.

Question 10:   Should you always use a salad fork for a salad?

Question 11:   True or false: If you must excuse yourself from the
               table, should briefly and quietly
               tell the people near you where you are going.

Question 12:   When eating Asian style, is it appropriate to "rest"
               your chopsticks during the course
               of a meal by placing them straight up in your rice
               bowl?

Question 13:   What should you do if your guest or host at a
               restaurant meal takes more than one
               cell phone call during the meal?

Question 14:   If you don't know which fork or spoon to use at a
               formal meal, what is the best
               solution?

Question 15:   True or false: When inviting someone for lunch, let
               your guest choose the venue.

Question 16:   Which spoon is for the soup, the one placed at the top
               of your plate or the one place
               at the side of your plate?

Question 17:   When you are served a fruit plate, should you always
               eat everything with a fork and
               knife or can you use your fingers to eat some of the
               fruit?

Answers:

1) Leave it on your chair which signals to the wait person that you are returning; you only leave it on the table at the end of the meal. 2) False: hold the white wine glass by the stem to prevent it from warming, but cradle the red wine glass at the bottom to help release the bouquet, 3) It is best to gently wipe your mouth first, to prevent food or sauces, etc. from dropping into your glass. 4) False: proper etiquette dictates that you cut only one piece at a time ... this isn't a race! 5a) Always pass both the salt AND the pepper together. 5b) Do not attempt to pass the shakers into the next person's hand; each person should set them down for the next person to pick up to avoid spills and 5c) Do not stop the passing process to season your own food along the way. When the person who requested the salt is done, simply ask for them. 6) You will find it just above the dinner plate with the tines facing right. 7) No: the person being toasted does not sip at this point, so simply acknowledge the toast. 8) Although still acceptable, the modern way is with the fork alone. 9) Yes: it's less messy that way. 10) No: if the salad is your entree, use the standard fork. 11) No: "Excuse me" is enough and preferred. 12) No: placing your chopsticks straight up and down in your bowl symbolizes an offering to the dead and is thought to bring bad luck! 13) Grin and bear it; though it is terribly rude, it is not your place to comment. 14) Generally, "work from the outside in", starting with the fork or spoon (whichever is appropriate) that is nearest the outside edge of your place setting. 15) False: the host should take charge of assuring a successful outing and choosing a restaurant which he / she deems to be in the right price range. Asking the guest to choose puts everyone in an awkward position. 16) It is by the side of your plate; the spoon above is for dessert. 17) No: a few of the items, such as grapes and berries with stems (such as cherries) can be eaten with the fingers, use your fork and knife for the rest.

How did you do? / How to learn more:

* If you got 15 or more correct, you likely will be comfortable in any dining situation.

* If you got 3 or more wrong, you can learn more by going to www.imageinternational.ca where you can take the long version of the Manners IQ Quiz and "test drive" Image International's new interactive software program on table manners.

Remember, if you don't have to worry about your manners, you can truly sit back and enjoy your meal ... Bon appetit!

For more information on Executive Dining Etiquette Molly Miller-Davidson at 323-936-228-PHONE