Etiquette for Guests
At the Tea Table

Etiquette for guests at the tea table is something a lot of us wish was taught more in depth in this day and age of "kick back, relax and come as you are". The tips for proper manners at the table will help give you confidence in what to do, say, and how to use everything properly.

As with all place settings at a formal table, if there are multiple courses, there will be multiple forks, spoons and/or knives depending on what is being served.

The first utensil on the outside edge will be the first you will use. If it requires a fork, use the first one on the far left. If it requires a spoon, use the first one on the far right. The knives are used in the same manner ~ the first from the outside edge moving in closer to your plate as the meal progresses. See also, Table Setting Etiquette, for a more in depth description of the items used at a formal tea table.

On a side note, don't let someone confuse you with American and Continental silverware etiquette. The main difference is: for American style, you have your fork in your left hand, tines up,and the knife in the right. When you are done cutting your food, you lay the knife down and put your fork back in your right hand.

For Continental style, you keep your fork in your left hand the whole time, tines down, and your knife in your right hand. The knife is used to cut food, of course, but is also used to maneuver the food onto your fork.