CEP CEP Dining & Table Etiquette 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In formal American dining, where is the bread plate positioned?
- To the left of the main plate (Correct answer)
- To the right of the main plate
- Above the main plate
- Below the main plate
Correct answer: To the left of the main plate
In American formal dining, the bread plate is always placed to the left of the main plate.
Question 2: When is it appropriate to begin eating at a formal dinner?
- When your food is served
- When the host begins eating or signals guests to start (Correct answer)
- When at least half the table has been served
- Immediately after saying grace
Correct answer: When the host begins eating or signals guests to start
At a formal dinner, guests should wait for the host to begin eating or signal before starting their meal.
Question 3: Which hand holds the fork in the American style of dining after cutting food?
- Left hand throughout the meal
- Right hand after cutting food (Correct answer)
- Either hand depending on preference
- Left hand when eating, right only when cutting
Correct answer: Right hand after cutting food
In the American dining style, the fork is switched to the right hand after cutting food to bring it to the mouth.
Question 4: What does placing your fork and knife diagonally across the plate with tines down signal to a server?
- You are finished with the meal
- You are resting between bites (Correct answer)
- You did not enjoy the food
- You need a refill
Correct answer: You are resting between bites
Placing utensils diagonally across the plate is the resting position, signaling you are pausing, not finished.
Question 5: At a formal dinner, how should you handle a dropped utensil?
- Pick it up and continue using it
- Pick it up and place it on the table
- Leave it and quietly ask the server for a replacement (Correct answer)
- Apologize loudly to the table
Correct answer: Leave it and quietly ask the server for a replacement
When a utensil is dropped at a formal dinner, leave it and discreetly ask the server for a replacement.
Question 6: Which glass is typically positioned directly above the knife at a formal place setting?
- White wine glass
- Red wine glass
- Water goblet (Correct answer)
- Champagne flute
Correct answer: Water goblet
The water goblet is positioned directly above the knife at a formal place setting.
In formal American dining, where is the bread plate positioned?