Many people use a fork to eat every day. However, not everyone understands the technique and etiquette of using a fork to eat. Knowing how to use a fork will make it easier for you to eat, and leave a good impression on friends, family, or business partners. Forks are also useful for other things, not just for eating. Learning to use a fork can help you maximize the potential of this simple cutlery.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using a Fork to Eat
Step 1. Learn which hand to use for eating
In general, you should use your dominant hand to hold the fork. However, there are some cultural differences to be aware of. The type of food you eat also affects your hand choices. Check out some of the tips below for choosing which hand to hold the fork in:
- Europeans usually hold a fork with their left hand during a meal.
- Americans often hold a fork in their right hand while eating.
- If you don't need to eat with special etiquette, hold the fork in whatever hand feels comfortable.
Step 2. Hold the fork properly while eating
Once you know which hand to use, you need to learn to hold it properly. Holding your fork properly will give you better control, as well as show that you have good eating etiquette. There are two ways to hold the fork; European style and American style. Keep each style in mind when holding a fork in hand:
- To hold a fork like a European, the end of the fork handle must be in the palm of your hand. The index finger should be on the back of the fork, close to the head. Your thumb should be on the outer end of the fork handle. Grip the fork with your fingers to prevent it from falling or changing positions while eating. The fork teeth should be facing down if you use this style.
- To hold the fork like an American, hold the fork as if you were holding a pencil. Hold the fork between your index and middle finger, close to the connection between the fork head and the handle. Your thumb should be above the center of the fork. The fork teeth will protrude upward making it easier to poke or scoop food. Hold the fork near the head.
Step 3. Learn which hand to use when cutting with a knife
There are two ways to hold a fork when cutting something with a knife; American method and European method. Understanding each method will help you practice proper eating etiquette so that you leave a good impression and enjoy your food better.
- Europeans hold a fork in the left hand and a knife in the right.
- If you're eating a European-style dinner, don't change hands while eating. Hold your fork in your left hand.
- When Americans cut food, they hold a fork in their left hand and a knife in their right.
- When Americans eat with a fork, they usually switch hands and move the fork to the right.
Step 4. Hold the fork properly while cutting
You must hold the food in place with a fork before cutting. Hold the fork as usual, in your left hand. Stick the tip of a fork into the food you are cutting to hold it in place. Hold the knife in your right hand and cut your food.
- Hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right.
- The handle of the fork and knife should be in the palm of your hand.
- The index finger should be extended and positioned behind the handle of your fork or knife.
Step 5. Stick the tip of a fork into your food to eat it
After gripping the fork properly, you can use it to eat. Find the right-sized pieces of food, then pierce them with a fork to eat them. Press the fork just enough so that the food sticks to the edges. Make sure the food doesn't fall off the fork when you put it in your mouth.
Step 6. Put food in mouth
Once the food is skewered, you can put it in your mouth and start eating it. Move slowly and carefully when feeding with a fork. If you're careless, food could slip out of your mouth, fall, spill, or you could injure yourself. Once in the mouth, bite the food on the fork to enjoy it.
Step 7. Learn where to put the fork after you eat the food, or after the food is finished
You can tell the waiter that you are finished eating your food by placing the cutlery in a certain position. Keep these positions in mind when placing cutlery:
- Americans put their cutlery in the "10 past 20" position. If the plate is a clock face, the knife or fork should be facing "10 o'clock", while the handle should be pointing at 4 o'clock or "past 20".
- In America, place your fork in the center of the plate and stack the knife on top so that there is a slight gap between the two cutlery. Make sure both are in the "10 past 20" position as a sign that you are still enjoying the dish that was served at that time.
- When Americans finish their meal, they will remove the gap between the fork and spoon and place the two on the side of the plate opposite you. The knife and fork position remains at "10 past 20".
- Europeans usually cross their fork and knife on the edge of the plate that is close to you to show that they are still enjoying the dish. The ends of the fork and knife should be facing the opposite direction to where you are.
- In Europe, placing your cutlery at the “10 past 20” position right in the middle of the plate indicates that you are finished eating.
Method 2 of 3: Choosing the Correct Type of Fork
Step 1. Look at all the forks on the table
You may notice that there are a lot of forks prepared before dinner. Each fork has a different usage time and function. Knowing which one to wear is really helpful, especially if you want to enjoy your food more and leave a good impression. Here are some of the types of forks that are usually prepared:
- The largest fork is the dinner fork used for the main course.
- Salad forks are usually the smallest.
- The fish fork is slightly larger than the salad fork, but slightly smaller than the dinner fork.
- The oyster fork is unique in that it only has two teeth. This fork is usually placed with a spoon.
Step 2. Pay attention to what dishes you eat
Each fork is made to enjoy a specific dish. These forks will help you enjoy food according to its size and type. Here are some types of dishes that are eaten with one special type of fork.
- In general, you usually use the leftmost fork first. Use the fork in sequence to the right for each dish served.
- Each dish requires you to change the fork you use.
- If a salad is served, you should use a small salad fork.
- To eat the main course, you should use a large fork special dinner.
Step 3. Choose the most suitable fork
Once you know which fork to use and when to use it, you will be more confident in choosing a fork when eating. Using the right fork may sound trivial, but it can make a good impression and help you show table etiquette. Always use the correct fork when eating.
- Hold the fork properly.
- Use your left hand to grip whatever type of fork you want to use.
- Choose a fork according to the dish being served.
Method 3 of 3: Using the Fork for Something Else
Step 1. Make a bracelet out of a fork
Making a bracelet out of a fork is a simple and fun project. There are many forks with beautiful designs. So, you can make a cool bracelet out of it. Follow the steps below to make a bracelet out of a fork.
- Find an old fork that can be used
- Bend the fork until it resembles a bracelet. Bend the fork in the same direction as the teeth.
- You may need to use pliers to hold the fork in place and make an accurate indentation.
- The teeth of the fork should touch the lower end of the handle after bending.
- You can paint the fork or decorate it however you want once it's bent.
Step 2. Use a fork when baking or cooking
Having a fork ready when you want to bake a cake or cook is very useful. Some recipes require you to make a small hole for air to circulate. You can also use a fork to make patterns on the surface of a pie or cake garnish. Make sure you have a fork ready to make cooking and baking easier.
- Drag or press a fork across the surface of the cake frosting to create a unique design.
- Pressing a fork against the surface of a pie or cake can make it look more unique.
- Some recipes require you to punch holes in the dough to prevent any hot air from getting trapped in it. You can do this by sticking a fork into the dough.
Step 3. Soil the seeds using a fork
A fork can be used as a simple gardening tool, especially when you are about to plant seeds. Most seeds are small so you will need to make a small hole in the soil. Forks can be used to make seed holes quickly. If you want to plant small seedlings, use an old fork to make your job easier.
- Forks with small teeth are more suitable for planting seeds.
- Insert a fork into the soil to make a hole in which to plant the seeds.
- Insert the seeds into the holes made with the fork teeth, then cover them with soil.
- Find out the needs of each seed planted. Some seeds must be planted deeper than others.
