Test Your Knowledge About The Basic Dining Etiquette! Quiz
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It is appropriate to arrive early to a dinner party and order a drink while waiting for the hostess and the rest of the party
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Yes
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No
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Do you know anything about basic dining etiquette? Do you think you can pass this quiz? Knowledge of dining etiquette helps in any situation in which you sit down and share a meal with others. It is beneficial when you have an interview in a restaurant so employees can surmise how students will behave themselves in a dining situation. If See moreyou want to learn more, take this quiz.
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- 2.
- Once everyone is seated at the dinner table, one must first
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Check his or her silverware
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Engage in conversation with other guests
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Place a napkin on his or her lap
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Ask for the menu
Correct Answer
A. Place a napkin on his or her lapExplanation
Placing a napkin on one's lap is a common etiquette practice when sitting down at a dinner table. It helps to keep one's clothes clean during the meal and shows respect for the dining experience. This action is typically done before engaging in conversation or checking silverware, and it is not necessary to ask for the menu at this point.Rate this question:
- 3.
When sitting at a table, one must do all of the following except
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Turn off cell phones
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Assist ladies out of their coats and help them sit
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Hang coats or jackets on back of the chair
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Remove keys,purses and cell phone from the table
Correct Answer
A. Hang coats or jackets on back of the chairExplanation
When sitting at a table, it is considered proper etiquette to turn off cell phones, assist ladies out of their coats and help them sit, and remove keys, purses, and cell phones from the table. Hanging coats or jackets on the back of the chair is not necessary and not mentioned as a requirement for proper table manners.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Red wine goes well with fish, while white wine pairs up well with meat
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
This statement is false because traditionally, red wine is known to pair well with meat, while white wine is often recommended to accompany fish. The tannins in red wine complement the flavors of red meat, while the acidity in white wine complements the flavors of fish. Therefore, the given statement contradicts the usual wine pairing recommendations.Rate this question:
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- 5.
How will the letters "BMW" (in that order) help you at dinner
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Bread on the left, drink on the right
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The will remind you of good manners "best manners wanted"
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They will always remind you to compliment your host "Best Meal and Wine"
Correct Answer
A. Bread on the left, drink on the rightExplanation
The letters "BMW" can be used as a mnemonic device to remember the proper placement of bread and drink at a dinner table. The "B" in BMW stands for "Bread," reminding you to place the bread on the left side of your plate. The "M" in BMW stands for "Meal," reminding you to compliment your host on the best meal. Lastly, the "W" in BMW stands for "Wine," reminding you to place the drink on the right side of your plate.Rate this question:
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- 6.
You should always pass both the salt and pepper even if only one is asked for.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Passing both the salt and pepper even if only one is asked for is considered good etiquette and shows consideration for others. By doing so, you ensure that everyone at the table has the option to season their food according to their preference. Additionally, it avoids any potential awkwardness or discomfort if someone realizes they also need the other condiment after it has already been passed to someone else. Overall, it is a small gesture that promotes inclusivity and enhances the dining experience for everyone.Rate this question:
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- 7.
If you do not wish to have your wine, water, or coffee refilled, you should.....
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...say "no, thank you"
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...cover your cup or glass with the palm of your hand
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...pick your cup or glass up and throw it into the nearest fireplace
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...push your cup or glass away from you
Correct Answer
A. ...say "no, thank you"Explanation
To decline a refill of wine, water, or coffee, it is polite to say "no, thank you." This communicates your preference to not have your cup or glass refilled without causing any offense. This option is the most appropriate and respectful way to decline the offer of a refill.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Where should you place your soup spoon when you are finished with your soup?
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On the table
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In the mouth of the person sitting to your right
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On the service plate (which the soup bowl sits on)
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In the soup bowl
Correct Answer
A. On the service plate (which the soup bowl sits on)Explanation
Placing your soup spoon on the service plate underneath the soup bowl signals to the server that you are finished, and that he may ask you to take your bowl away.Rate this question:
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- 9.
When leaving the table during a meal, where do you place your napkin?
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The back of your chair
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To the left of your plate, unfolded
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On the seat of your chair
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In the right nostril of the person sitting to your left
Correct Answer
A. On the seat of your chairExplanation
The napkin is best placed on the seat of your chair when you are being excused. Generally, this is because it is inappropriate to place a used napkin on a table where others are still eating, and placing it onto the back of your chair leaves it vulnerable to falling on the floor.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Some of the perceptions people can form solely from your appearance are:
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Your professionalism
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If you went to a post secondary institution
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Your level of sophistication
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Your intelligence
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Your credibility
Correct Answer(s)
A. Your professionalism
A. Your level of sophistication
A. Your intelligence
A. Your credibilityExplanation
The answer suggests that people can form perceptions about your professionalism, level of sophistication, intelligence, and credibility solely based on your appearance. This means that the way you dress, carry yourself, and present yourself physically can give others an impression of your professionalism, sophistication, intelligence, and credibility.Rate this question:
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- 11.
If there are bones in your food, it is okay for you to spit them out directly onto your plate.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
Spitting out bones directly onto your plate is not considered acceptable behavior. It is generally considered impolite and unhygienic to remove bones from your mouth and place them directly on your plate. A more appropriate approach would be to discreetly remove the bones from your mouth using a napkin or tissue and place them on the side of your plate or in a separate dish provided for that purpose.Rate this question:
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- 12.
If you do not like a certain type of food, it is proper to explain in elaborate detail to the others at the table why this is so.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
It is not necessary or proper to explain in elaborate detail to others at the table why you do not like a certain type of food. Personal food preferences are subjective and can vary from person to person. While it is polite to decline the food politely, it is not required to provide a detailed explanation as it may come across as rude or offensive to the host or other guests.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Since it is not right to waste food, it is best to ask the waiter or your host for a doggy bag to take home the leftovers.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
The statement suggests that it is best to ask for a doggy bag to take home leftovers in order to avoid wasting food. However, the correct answer is False. The explanation for this is not provided.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Food is served from the LEFT and removed from the RIGHT
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
In formal dining etiquette, food is traditionally served from the left side of the person and removed from the right side. This practice ensures that the service is organized and consistent for all guests. By serving from the left, it allows for a smooth flow of food and avoids any confusion or disruption during the meal. Removing dishes from the right also follows the same logic, maintaining a systematic approach to clearing the table. Therefore, the statement "Food is served from the LEFT and removed from the RIGHT" is true.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Proper passing etiquette requires that one
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Offers food to the LEFT, help yourself, then pass to the RIGHT
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Offers food to the RIGHT, help yourself, then pass to the LEFT
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Offers food to the LEFT, pass to the RIGHT, then help yourself
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Passes food from the LEFT and help yourself once everyone else has had a serving
Correct Answer
A. Offers food to the LEFT, help yourself, then pass to the RIGHTExplanation
In proper passing etiquette, the correct sequence is to offer food to the left, help yourself, and then pass the food to the right. This ensures that everyone has an opportunity to take their portion before the dish is passed on.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Which one of the following is NOT appropriate when eating pasta (spaghetti)
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Cut pasta in shorter strands before twirling
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Use spoon to twirl pasta with fork
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Slurp any remaining strands of pasta
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Keep fork in contact with plate when twirling pasta
Correct Answer
A. Slurp any remaining strands of pastaExplanation
Slurping any remaining strands of pasta is not appropriate when eating spaghetti. Slurping is considered impolite in many cultures and is generally not acceptable table etiquette. It is more appropriate to use a fork to twirl the pasta and to cut the pasta into shorter strands before twirling if necessary. Additionally, it is customary to keep the fork in contact with the plate while twirling the pasta.Rate this question:
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- 17.
American Style dining includes the following (check all that apply)
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Knife in right hand, fork in left hand holding food.
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Eat food by switching fork to right hand(unless left handed)
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Place knife on edge of plate with blades facing in when not in use
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Utensils must remain in hand during the meal unless you are leaving the table temporarily
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Knife in LEFT hand, fork in RIGHT hand
Correct Answer(s)
A. Knife in right hand, fork in left hand holding food.
A. Eat food by switching fork to right hand(unless left handed)
A. Place knife on edge of plate with blades facing in when not in useExplanation
American Style dining includes holding the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right hand while eating. The fork is switched to the right hand (unless left-handed) to eat the food. When not in use, the knife should be placed on the edge of the plate with the blades facing inwards. During the meal, the utensils should remain in hand unless temporarily leaving the table.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Continental Style dining includes the following (check all that apply)
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Knife in right hand, fork in left hand
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The resting position is cross the fork over the knife.
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Finished position: fork and knife are on the right side of plate with fork tines down and cutting edge of knife facing you
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Both utensils are kept in your hands with the tines pointed down throughout the entire eating process.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Knife in right hand, fork in left hand
A. The resting position is cross the fork over the knife.
A. Finished position: fork and knife are on the right side of plate with fork tines down and cutting edge of knife facing you
A. Both utensils are kept in your hands with the tines pointed down throughout the entire eating process.Explanation
Continental Style dining involves holding the knife in the right hand and the fork in the left hand. The resting position is when the fork is crossed over the knife. After finishing the meal, the fork and knife are placed on the right side of the plate, with the fork tines down and the cutting edge of the knife facing the diner. Throughout the entire eating process, both utensils are kept in the hands with the tines pointed down.Rate this question:
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- 19.
A cloth napkin must be completely unfolded while a paper napkin is folded lengthwise before being placed on one's lap
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
A cloth napkin does not necessarily need to be completely unfolded before being placed on one's lap. It can be folded in various ways, such as in half or into a triangle, depending on personal preference or the occasion. Similarly, a paper napkin can also be folded in different ways before being placed on one's lap. Therefore, the statement that a cloth napkin must be completely unfolded while a paper napkin is folded lengthwise is not correct.Rate this question:
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- 20.
¨Your entrée looks so delicious, you hardly can wait to delve in. Upon taking the first bite, you realize the food is scalding hot (or is spoiled)!! What should you do?
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Take a sip of water and swallow
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Spit the food in your napkin
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Spit food onto fork and place on edge of plate
Correct Answer(s)
A. Take a sip of water and swallow
A. Spit food onto fork and place on edge of plate -
- 21.
It is appropriate to season (salt,pepper, hot sauce, steak sauce...) your food before tasting it
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
Seasoning your food before tasting it is a personal preference and can vary from person to person. Some people may prefer to season their food before tasting it to enhance the flavors, while others may prefer to taste it first and then adjust the seasoning accordingly. Therefore, it is not appropriate to say that it is always necessary to season your food before tasting it.Rate this question:
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- 22.
It is OK to intercept food or condiments before they reach the person who asked for them
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
Intercepting food or condiments before they reach the person who asked for them is not okay. This implies that someone is taking or redirecting the requested items without permission or consent, which is generally considered disrespectful and inappropriate. Therefore, the correct answer is False.Rate this question:
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- 23.
When sharing butter, spreads and dips the following guidelines apply (Check all correct answers)
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Transfer small amount of butter, dip or spread to your own plate
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Dip piece of bread,chip or toast in common bowl as often as needed
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When sharing salsa, do not transfer any to your plate
Correct Answer(s)
A. Transfer small amount of butter, dip or spread to your own plate
A. When sharing salsa, do not transfer any to your plateExplanation
The correct answer is to transfer a small amount of butter, dip, or spread to your own plate and to not transfer any salsa to your plate. This is because when sharing butter, spreads, and dips, it is hygienic to take a small portion for yourself rather than directly using the common bowl. However, when sharing salsa, it is best to avoid transferring it to your plate to prevent cross-contamination and maintain the integrity of the shared salsa bowl.Rate this question:
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- 24.
When it comes to the salad course ALL the following appply EXCEPT
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Eat with dinner fork if salad is the main entree/course
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Slice and dice whole salad, add dressing and toss before eating
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If served a whole wedge cut one piece at the time using salad knife
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If salad is served before or after the main entree use salad fork
Correct Answer
A. Slice and dice whole salad, add dressing and toss before eatingExplanation
The given answer states that slicing and dicing the whole salad, adding dressing, and tossing it before eating is not applicable when it comes to the salad course. This is because typically, salads are served already prepared and dressed, so there is no need to slice, dice, add dressing, and toss it before eating.Rate this question:
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- 25.
When you are done with your meal you
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Place your folded napkin to the RIGHT side of your plate
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Place napkin to the LEFT side of your plate
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Place napkin above your plate so server can see that you are really done
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Place napkin anywhere because it does not make any difference
Correct Answer
A. Place napkin to the LEFT side of your plateExplanation
Placing the napkin to the left side of your plate is the correct answer because it is a common etiquette practice. When you are finished with your meal, you should neatly fold your napkin and place it to the left of your plate. This signals to the server that you have finished and they can clear your plate. Placing the napkin to the right side or above the plate may cause confusion and may not be considered proper table manners.Rate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 21, 2023 +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Nov 08, 2012Quiz Created by
Edwigesery
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