Forks and knives are held with the index finger on the backs of the utensil handles. This is how it looks from the underside. Sometimes it is easier to understand how the utensils are properly held by seeing how they fit into the palms of the hands at an angle.
Fork
When it comes to the fork, the prevailing way of holding it is in your left hand, tines facing downward. Use your fork to spear and lift food into your mouth. Place your index finger on the back of the fork, facing the tines, for a firmer grip.
Knife
So you’ve quite literally got to grips with the fork, what about the knife? This, you hold in your right hand with your index finger extended along the blunt side of the blade. When needed, use your knife to cut through food. However, when the dish doesn’t demand a knife, keep it to the right of your plate during the meal.
Spoon
Try to hold your spoon by resting the end of the handle on your middle finger, with your thumb placed gently on top. Specifically, when eating soup, dip the spoon sideways at the nearest edge of the bowl to you, then skim the spoon away from you. This is a good tip for using the spoon, no matter the food you’re eating with it – skim away not towards yourself! — From the AC Silver Site Blog, 2018
I received this charming book for children a few days ago and it promises to teach kids basic table manners. It is a winner in every way. It's suitable for a wide range of ages and easy to understand. The authors never talk down to children and explain in clear, concise language the basic table manners every child should know.
As an etiquette educator for the past 30 years, I laughed aloud when I read a piece of advice similar to a line that I have used numerous times when teaching over the years, especially with pre-teens or ‘tweens, “It's already dead, you don't need to stab your meat with your knife or fork!”
Learning how to hold and use a knife and fork properly, or how to set a correct place setting, is explained in easy to understand ways with beautiful illustrations. The artwork is colorful, fun, and the details are wonderful. Children will recognize themselves, their siblings and their friends who face similar tabletop dining challenges.
I recommend this book to anyone who knows a child who needs to learn these fundamentals, or one who simply needs to brush up on manners they’ve already been taught. I read this to my granddaughters yesterday, and they requested I read it 3 more times.
