TABLE MANNER IV

CONTINENTAL VS. AMERICAN

Continental (European) Style of Eating:

One cuts the food by holding the knife in the right hand and the fork in the left hand with the fork tines piercing the food to secure it on the plate. Simply eat the cut pieces of food by picking them up with your fork still in your left hand, tines facing down, and the knife in your right hand.

American Style of Eating:

One cuts the food by holding the knife in the right hand and the fork in the left hand with the fork tines piercing the food to secure it on the plate. Cut a few bite-size pieces of food, then lay your knife across the top edge of your plate with the sharp edge of the knife facing in. Change your fork from your left to your right hand to eat, fork tines facing up (if you are left-handed, keep your fork in your left hand, tines facing up.) After cutting your meat, put the knife down, switch the fork to your right hand and spear the piece of meat. The United States is the only country that practices the American Style of eating.