Proper utensil etiquette determines a great deal of class and respect to the people serving you. But most importantly, it provides your waiter with some visual clues as to the progress of your meal.
There are 5 main resting positions while having formal dining:
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When finished eating a course, place your knife and fork together in the centre of the plate parallel with the handles pointing to 12 o'clock position. (It is alright to place it pointing any position on the plate as long as the utensils are parallel to each other.)
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When taking a break from eating, put your fork and knife in the centre of your plate with the tips facing towards each other in an inverted V manner.
3. By placing your knife and fork in a cross on the plate, with the fork pointing vertical and the knife pointing horizontal, this gives your waiter a visual clue that you are ready for your next course.
4. If you didn't like the meal, place your knife's blade through the fork's tines in a V manner.
5. If you enjoyed your meal, place your knife and fork horizontally across the plate towards 3 o'clock position. This also indicates you have finished.
