Lenox Flatware

Lenox flatware can make any table setting more attractive and, when you are having important guests at your table, you should know the proper way to use these beautiful utensils. There are specific rules that one must follow to avoid doing anything inappropriately. Most of the rules developed assume the user is right-handed.

When holding Lenox flatware, such as the spoon and fork, hold the utensils between the middle finger and the index finger with the thumb on the handle holding it steady.

The Lenox flatware knife uses the tip of the index finger to guide the knife as you are cutting. When cutting meat that requires the use of the knife and fork, hold the knife in the right hand while holding the fork in the left hand holding the meat in place. Only cut one or two bite-sized pieces of meat at a time and, in between, put the knife down on the edge of the plate and move the fork over to the right hand.

Many Americans have now adopted the European style for using these utensils in which they will hold the fork in the left hand and remains there throughout the meal. The knife remains in the right hand when needed but the fork is never transferred to the right hand, even between cuttings.

When dealing with awkward foods such as peas, corn, or gelatin, the fork should be used with no assistance from other utensils, which can make eating these foods somewhat of a difficult task as you work to get the food onto the fork.

Once your Lenox flatware has been used, you should allow no part of it to touch the table’s surface. When the meal is completed, neatly place all of the utensils on a flat plate, along with any non-flat dishes. The reasoning behind this is that the placement indicates whether the user is simply pausing or has completed their meal.

When pausing between bites of food, place the utensils on the plate with the fork on the left and the knife on the right. When passing a dish for additional food, place both utensils parallel to each other near the right side of the plate. When the user has completed their meal, they should place the fork and knife in the middle of the plate (with the cutting edge of the knife facing toward the user), parallel to each other, and with the handles pointed to the right.

The rules of positioning were created to avoid aggressive implications since eating utensils were originally related to weapons of war. Using Lenox flatware appropriately gives the user a touch of class and finesse and your host or hostess will appreciate your excellent table manners.