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The Kitchen Table

Do You Use American or European .....?

16 years ago

Do you use American or European table manners when you dine? I was taught the American style when I went to school. What were you taught? What do you use?

Sue

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Comments (16)

OklaMoni
16 years ago
Growing up in Germany, of course, I eat with my knife in the right hand, and the fork in the left. No, I am not left handed.

I also taught my girls that style.

Moni
patti43
16 years ago
The European way makes far more sense to me, since it eliminates the picking up and putting down business. I do both, though.
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linda_in_iowa
16 years ago
My parents taught me the American style. All my friends eat American style.
sheilajoyce_gw
16 years ago
I was taught American table manners by my parents. However, I have to say that using eating utensils the way Europeans do makes much more sense.
wildchild
16 years ago
I can switch off if the need arises but I eat European style most often. It makes more sense.

I've also become pretty good at chopstick etiquette.
cynic
16 years ago
Don't really know the difference but I tend to use the cram it in your mouth however it fits method.
kacram
16 years ago
LOL cynic.,

I guess I'm still eating the Amercian way. Occasionally I use the European way... I guess, although I hate to admit it, hhahaaha... I'm like Cynic! lol
Rudebekia
16 years ago
European. I grew up with the American style but a year abroad in college taught me that the European is so much more sensible! Plus I probably just wanted to look cool and different when I returned. . .
lesterd
16 years ago
European style all the way, thanks to my English mom.

My aunt and very English uncle came for a visit back in the 70s. Mom and dad took us all to a rib joint for dinner...given that barbecued ribs are typically American. My uncle cleaned every, and I mean every, scrap of meat off each rib on the rack with the knife in his right hand and fork in the left!
Jasdip
16 years ago
I've never laid down my fork and switched hands.
I keep my fork in my right and cut with my left. Maybe cause my mom is left handed...who knows.

I don't turn the fork upside down like some Europeans do.
joyfulguy
16 years ago
Either way on occasion, though usually fork in right, I think. Often use fork upside down when in left hand.

As for barbecued ribs ... isn't it most efficient to just pick 'em up ... especially after one has cut most of the meat off?

Hi Kat WA ... that Amercian way ... does that include some elements of Grecian/Martian style?

Hope you're all looking forward to the weekend.

Try retirement - every day is weekend!.

ole joyful
msmarion
16 years ago
I was taught the European way, but there is something not so polite about holding onto the knife throught the whole meal. JMHO
minnie_tx
16 years ago
American but I love to watch Europeans eat
Kathsgrdn
16 years ago
Hmmm, never noticed even living in Germany for 4 1/2 years, the European way. What is the difference? Never noticed while over there last summer either.
chisue
16 years ago
I know it's not polite to switch back and forth between American and European...but I do. If I'm cutting meat, I'll bring the meat to my mouth with my fork in my left hand, tines down. For everything else, I use the fork in my right hand. Mashing things onto the back of a fork just isn't appealing to me. (More likely I just don't know how to do it properly.)
jannie
16 years ago
I'm right-handed, cut with my knife in my right hand, then lay the knife down and pick ny food up and eat with my fork in the right hand. I learned to eat by watching my Dad, I sat next to him at dinner.

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