Dining Guide / When Things Go Wrong

Dropped or Missing Cutlery

If a utensil falls on the floor, leave it and ask the server for a new one. Do the same if something is missing.

Key Points

1. Don’t pick up cutlery that has fallen on the floor. Leave it for the server.
2. Catch the server’s eye, raise your hand slightly and quietly ask, “Could I have another fork, please?”
3. Only if it’s in a walkway where someone could trip, pick it up discreetly and set it aside.
4. If a piece is missing, don’t hunt for one or borrow from another place setting. Ask the staff.

Do

• Stay calm and signal discreetly
• Ask quietly and briefly

Avoid

• Wiping it with your napkin and carrying on
• Calling out loudly for the staff
• Borrowing cutlery from your neighbor’s setting

Handy Tip

Clearing up dropped items is part of the server’s job. No need to over-apologize — a simple “please” and “thank you” is enough.

Practice in a Lesson

• Courses and Cutlery Signals
• Cutlery and Its Placement