Dear Jacquelyn,

When dining, I switch back and forth between the American and Continental style of dining. I have a friend who pointed out that’s wrong, saying I should only use one way or the other. I’m most comfortable switching back and forth during a meal. Can I use both methods or should I stick to one way?

Dear Reader,

The guidelines of etiquette suggest whichever style you choose, be consistent and avoid changing style between courses.

One style is not better than the other and it is acceptable to use either method as long as you are doing them with ease in the correct way.

Your goal should be to become comfortable with both dining styles and to recognize situations where you might choose one over the other. A quick refresher will help you overcome the habit of changing styles mid-course.

The American style of dining, which is traditional in the United States, involves four steps. It requires you to switch the silverware back and forth, holding the knife in the right hand and the fork in the left.

After the knife is used to cut the food while the food is held with the fork, the knife is placed near the top of the plate, blade facing in. The fork is then switched to the right hand for eating.

The Continental style of dining, which is fashioned after the Europeans, consists of two steps. It is simply this: the fork always stays in the left hand, with the tines pointed down, and the knife is always held by the right hand.

The cutlery never changes hands, and there is no switching silverware back and forth. The Continental style is thought to be a more graceful and efficient way of dining, but it does take some practice if you are used to switching hands.

Mastering the intricacies of both dining styles is a skill worth learning, regardless of with whom you dine. The trick is to be comfortable with your choice.

Respectfully Yours,

Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training. She is on the board of directors of the National Civility Foundation.

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