Dining Guide / During the Meal
Dessert and Coffee
Use the spoon and fork set above your plate for dessert, and stir your coffee quietly. Then settle in and enjoy the conversation.
Try what you’ve read in questions based on real dining situations. · 5 min
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Key Points
- The dessert spoon and fork are laid horizontally above your plate, or brought out with the dessert.
- Bring the fork down to your left and the spoon to your right. Use the fork for cake and the spoon for ice cream.
- Stir coffee or tea quietly, without clinking the spoon.
- When you’re done stirring, rest the spoon on the saucer behind the cup.
- Hold the cup by pinching the handle. There’s no need to lift the saucer too.
Do
- Enjoy the conversation until the last cup
- If you need to step away, wait for a pause
Avoid
- Drinking with the spoon still in the cup
- Clinking the spoon against the cup as you stir
Handy Tip
At a low table, such as sofa seating, it’s fine to lift the cup and saucer together to chest height.
Practice in a Lesson
- Dessert and Coffee — 5 min · Sign in to unlock
Read next
Sources
- Emily Post Institute, “Proper Table Setting 101: Everything You Need to Know” — Place settings, glassware, bread plates and dessert utensils.
- Emily Post Institute, “Online Course: Dining Etiquette” — Seating, courses, utensils, toasts and conversation in Western dining.