by Ginger Philbrick
What is the proper etiquette concerning retrieval of a utensil that has been knocked to the floor in a restaurant? I have assumed that it is neither sanitary nor good manners to retrieve the utensil and place it on the table.
Quizzical, Lancaster County
Imagine. You’ve just cut the first piece of filet of sole and placed your knife on the edge of your plate, exactly as your mother taught you. Then CLANG! That same knife has dropped off the plate, missing your lap—thank goodness—but hitting the floor.
There are two things to consider when wanting to respond politely. If this happens when you are a guest in a home, it is correct to pick it up yourself and, if your hostess hasn’t already noticed your dilemma, ask for a replacement. If you are in a restaurant, ask a server to pick it up and replace it. Of course, just as there is an exception to almost any rule there is one to this; if the item is in the way of the flow of traffic around your table it is your responsibility to retrieve it.
It is not only utensils to which this rule applies. Napkins are also subject to alienation on the floor in a restaurant. And, should a piece of that filet of sole drop out of sight, it too must suffer the same consequences. However, you need not notify the waiter of the latter situation until you are leaving the table, at which time the area can be picked up before the next diners are seated.
Thank you, Quizzical, for a great question. It is one that addresses a frequently occurring situation but it is a new one for this column.
Ginger Philbrick is the owner of Because You Are Polite LLC. You are invited to email your manners questions to her and she will respond as time and space allow. You may contact her at youarepolite1@gmail.com.
