Aunt Deb Posted August 20, 2013 #1 Share Posted August 20, 2013 HELP ! ! ! Just came across some photos of some of the spectacular choices in the MDRs of various cruise lines. I think I've gained five pounds just looking at them . . . But I'm intimidated by the number of pieces in a place setting. Where do you start and which one do you use for what? I'm used to a plastic spork as my main utensil. I don't want to appear that I just fell off the turnip truck. Honestly, I'm not quite that bad, I do have a little class ( keep that pinkie extended ), but I could use a little help. Just wondering how many people cruiselines employ to polish all of the knives, spoons and forks. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiserBruce Posted August 20, 2013 #2 Share Posted August 20, 2013 I have always been told to start with the outside items (forks, spoons) first. But I am VERY far from Ms Manners... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul929207 Posted August 20, 2013 #3 Share Posted August 20, 2013 If there are multiple pieces, start from the outside and work in. Princess puts only the pieces you need for each course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitty9 Posted August 20, 2013 #4 Share Posted August 20, 2013 Generally speaking, the outside fork with the smaller tines is your salad fork. The knife that's farthest out is used with your salad fork. The spoon at the top of your plate is supposed to be used for dessert. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skandls Posted August 21, 2013 #5 Share Posted August 21, 2013 This reminded me of my very first cruise. Grill class on the QE2. There was so much silverware on the table. I had not been to such formal dinners. I asked a tablemate what the fork and spoon above the charger plate were used for. Dessert. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dolittle Posted August 21, 2013 #6 Share Posted August 21, 2013 Generally speaking, the outside fork with the smaller tines is your salad fork. The knife that's farthest out is used with your salad fork. The spoon at the top of your plate is supposed to be used for dessert. My mother and aunts always set a formal table for holidays and parties and I knew most of the pieces were for but on one ship (I forget which one )they had a large spoon at the top of the plate and I had no idea what it was for so I asked our server and he said it was the sauce spoon. Live and learn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dorisis Posted August 21, 2013 #7 Share Posted August 21, 2013 Most cruises don't do the old formal setting. They will only give you what you need for each serving. If in doubt, bring your plastic spork. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donaldsc Posted August 21, 2013 #8 Share Posted August 21, 2013 Much easier if you eat at a Chinese restaurant. You just need one pair of chopsticks. LOL! DON Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elleks Posted August 21, 2013 #9 Share Posted August 21, 2013 If you order steak, they'll replace your main knife with a steak knife. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith1010 Posted August 21, 2013 #10 Share Posted August 21, 2013 It will be easy and please realize that often flatware is removed after you have placed your order making it even easier for you to know what to use. No worries. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aunt Deb Posted August 21, 2013 Author #11 Share Posted August 21, 2013 Wow, thanks for your replies. I guess I won't have to attend Marthas charm school after all. I'll just have to remember to keep the elbows off the table and not to discuss religion, politics or sex . . . . :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith1010 Posted August 21, 2013 #12 Share Posted August 21, 2013 You have it all right. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted August 21, 2013 #13 Share Posted August 21, 2013 There was a time when HAL had all the various silverware on the table. Now it is just the basics. Salad fork, entrée fork, knife and spoon. There will be a butter knife on the butter plate. If you need something extra, they get it for you. HAL doesn't even give you a fish fork any more. Soup arrives with the soup spoon. If your entrée requires a steak knife, your regular knife will be replaced. Proper utensils will be brought for after dinner coffee/tea and desserts. The utensils are not real silver and more -- everyday utensils which go into a dishwasher -- no polishing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aunt Deb Posted August 21, 2013 Author #14 Share Posted August 21, 2013 Trying to figure out which piece to use was part of the cruising adventure. Oh, how times have changed.:( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spookwife Posted August 21, 2013 #15 Share Posted August 21, 2013 HELP ! ! !Just came across some photos of some of the spectacular choices in the MDRs of various cruise lines. I think I've gained five pounds just looking at them . . . But I'm intimidated by the number of pieces in a place setting. Where do you start and which one do you use for what? I'm used to a plastic spork as my main utensil. I don't want to appear that I just fell off the turnip truck. Honestly, I'm not quite that bad, I do have a little class ( keep that pinkie extended ), but I could use a little help. Just wondering how many people cruiselines employ to polish all of the knives, spoons and forks. Thanks the rule is "Outside in" you start from the outside of the setting and work your way in as each course is brought out. occasionally you will be supplied the proper item when it is served. (soup spoon comes out with the soup, etc) if ordering a steak or other entree that requires a bit more effort, the serrated edge/steak knife will be brought out and sometimes they steal your regular knife. Guard this jealously if you like your asparagus cut into manageable pieces. ;) the little itsy bitsy knife is used to spread butter. I tend to see this placed across the top of the plate or across the bread plate. coffee spoons can also be placed this way if not brought out with the black gold goodness. a soup spoon will be shallow and have a larger bowl. The sugar spoon also has a shallow bowl and is between a teaspoon and soup spoon size. many also have a shaped edge to the bowl. ( think clam shell shape) The shrimp fork( and snail fork) is this cute little child tea party set size. I hate them with a passion. Salad forks are smaller than dinner forks, and may have fewer tines. yeah I have been to one too many "Etiquette for Officer Spouses" classes do not even get me started on proper napkin placement. or what to do with dirty utensils. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5326jan Posted August 21, 2013 #16 Share Posted August 21, 2013 The biggest confusion I see people have is deciding which bread plate to use. It's not a big deal, but the small plate to the left of the setting is your bread plate, the glass is on the right. Eat Left, Drink Right. Another trick I recently saw someone use is to make the OK sign with both of your hands. Your left hand makes a "b" and your right hand makes a "d". Bread=b, Drink =d. :) Don't be embarrassed if you make a mistake, it will break the ice and everyone will feel like they're not the only ones who have done it and have a good laugh over it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Bull Posted August 21, 2013 #17 Share Posted August 21, 2013 I claim to prefer large shared tables because of the convivial company. Nah - I prefer large tables so I can copy which implements other folk use :D Not that your tablemates will notice what you use, unless you try to drink the soup using a fork.:rolleyes: And it's years since I last saw a pukka fish-knife. More important, as 5326's post, is to use the sideplate (for a bread roll) on the left & the water/wine glasses on the right - otherwise you're invading your neighbour's territory ;). It's considered poor etiquette to polish off their wine. :o No worries :cool: JB :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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