CEC CEC Dining & Table Etiquette 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In American table setting, which fork is used first at a multi-course formal dinner?
- The outermost fork, farthest from the plate (Correct answer)
- The fork closest to the plate
- The largest fork regardless of position
- The fork placed above the plate
Correct 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.
Question 2: What is the proper way to butter bread at a formal dinner?
- Break off a small piece, butter only that piece, then eat it (Correct answer)
- Butter the entire slice at once before eating
- Hold the roll in one hand and spread butter across it
- Dip the bread directly into the shared butter dish
Correct 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.
Question 3: At a business dinner, when should a CEC advise clients to discuss business topics?
- After the meal has been ordered and pleasantries exchanged (Correct answer)
- Immediately upon sitting down to maximize time
- Only if the host brings up business first
- During dessert as a closing conversation
Correct 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.
Question 4: What does the 'BMWs' memory device stand for in table setting?
- Bread (left), Meal (center), Water (right) (Correct answer)
- Butter, Meat, Wine
- Bowl, Main course, Wine glass
- Bread, Meat, Water glass
Correct 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.
Question 5: Which glass should be used for water versus wine at a formal place setting?
- The larger glass above the knife is for water; the smaller glass to its right is for wine (Correct answer)
- The smaller glass is always for water regardless of position
- Both glasses are interchangeable depending on preference
- The glass farthest from the plate is always for water
Correct 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.
Question 6: When hosting a formal dinner as a CEC, what is the proper seating arrangement for the guest of honor?
- To the right of the host (Correct answer)
- To the left of the host
- Directly across from the host
- At the head of an adjacent table
Correct 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.
CEC CEC Dining & Table Etiquette 2
In American table setting, which fork is used first at a multi-course formal dinner?