Weekly Etiquette

Did you know that it is acceptable to use the utensils at a meal in either the American or European way? This is a matter of etiquette that has always confused me, so I consulted my Amy Vanderbilt Complete Book of Etiquette, or just "Amy," as I like to refer to it. You can choose either to stabilize the food with the fork in your left hand while cutting food and then switch the fork to the right hand to eat the food (American), or keep your fork in your left hand to put the food in your mouth after cutting(European). Likewise, when you've finished a meal, you may place your utensils on the right side of your plate (American) or cross them, fork prongs facing downward, in the center of your plate (European). For some reason, both of the European traditions seem better to me, but I can't say that I hold myself to either way. However, now we know that both are acceptable!