CEC CEC Dining & Table Etiquette

Question 1

At a formal American place setting, where is the bread plate positioned?

Accepted Answer

To the left of the dinner plate

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

After the host or hostess has begun eating or signals guests to start

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

To the left

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Place fork and knife diagonally across the plate at the 4 o'clock position

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Away from you, toward the far side of the bowl

Answer

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.

(CEC) Certified Etiquette Consultant Practice Test