Lisa’s Travels to France: Learn more about the Proper Table Setting

Here at The Dallas School of Etiquette, we care about education and helping children and adults achieve their highest potential! That’s why our owner and etiquette expert, Lisa Burdette, travels to France to learn the latest about fashion, dining and enjoying a proper table setting in France.

In this post, we’ll share some photos from Lisa’s recent trip to Europe and some tips for your own dining etiquette needs here in the USA.

Good Table Manners Include Knowing how to do a Proper Table Setting

If you want to be a chef, you’ll most likely spend some time studying the techniques associated with French cuisine. That’s because French dining just might be the best in the world! In the same way, if you want to learn proper table manners for meals in Dallas, you’ll do well to study dining etiquette in France.

As you can see in the photo here, there’s a fork on the right side of the plate. Why would this be? Forks are almost always placed to the left side of a plate. The only fork that is ever placed on the right with a knife is the oyster fork!

For a proper place setting, the fork would be on the left and knife and spoon on the right. That’s probably because the knife was the first utensil and most people use their right hand for eating / cutting up food. Obviously, the spoon has a valuable use as well and made its way to the table after the knife. The fork came last and sits on the left…except for the oyster fork!

On Lisa’s recent trip, she enjoyed a delicious dinner of fish at a delightful restaurant, La Fontaine De Mars, near the Eiffel Tower. Of course, meals involving fish are much better with a proper fish knife and fork.

What is a fish knife? The fish knife originated during the Victorian era and is wide and flat with a slightly curved pointy end. This design is optimal for eating fish, since it makes it easy to remove fish skin, lift away any bones and lift the delicate meat towards the fork for consumption.

Hosting a Dinner Party in Dallas? Think Fashion and Food

Naturally, any trip to the fashion capital of Paris has to include a visit to the famed House of Christian Dior! Dior is an iconic brand that originates from the mid-1940s and sells clothing and other luxury items. Soon after starting his company, Dior launched new designs that quickly made him famous in France and worldwide in the post-war fashion landscape.

Speaking of clothing, though, have you ever thought of fashion and food in the same context? Well, just as dining etiquette and knowing the proper table setting can help set you apart, so also proper attire can help as well. Maybe you’re attending a wedding, friend’s dinner party or going on a date soon? If so, you’ll want to dress for the occasion and wear what would be appropriate for the restaurant or location. This shows respect for yourself and for the host or hostess. Is the event business casual or formal? Should you wear jeans or a dress? Knowing the answers to these questions can give you peace of mind and help the event go smoothly.

If you’d like to take one of our Dallas etiquette classes for adults, click to learn more and Contact Us today!

Other photos from Lisa’s Recent Trip to France

French Styles Can Educate and Inform Us

In conclusion, we can learn a lot from French restaurants and boutique stores about etiquette. Next time you set the table for a party or for family in Texas, take care to use the proper table setting. You and your dinner guests will appreciate the time and thought you’ve put into the meal and overall dining experience!