12 Rules of table etiquette when enjoying desserts

We usually imagine that the rules of table etiquette only apply to main courses. And when it comes to desserts, we can breathe easy and enjoy them without too much worry. At home, no one has to bother with such formalities, and can enjoy sweets and fruit with their hands, and cakes and ice cream with a spoon. But at a formal event, it is wise to examine the tableware to choose the right ones to use.

We, from awesome.clubwe found tips on the web that can help you not make mistakes when eating dessert at a formal event.

The ideal way to eat a cake depends mainly on the cutlery served at the table. If a fork and spoon are offered, the first is used to hold the slice and the second to cut the pieces and bring them to the mouth.

Some nuances depend on the type of cake. If it consists of several layers, the slice must first be turned on its side. If served with fruit, prick them with a fork and place on a spoon with the cake. Cutlery can be supported on the plate, with the dessert, but never on the table.

Such a dessert should not be eaten with your hands. First, the dough needs to be carefully cut with a knife and fork. The main thing is to try not to get the cream on the table or on your clothes.

If the ice cream or sorbet is served on a flat plate, you can eat it with a fork. Only when the candy is in a deep bowl do you use a spoon. This chilled dessert is sometimes served in a tall glass, requiring a long spoon to enjoy it.

Croissants can be eaten with your hands or with the help of a knife or fork. But biting them is completely outside the rules of etiquette. Such buns must be carefully broken or cut into pieces, and only then sent to the mouth.

If you want to spread butter, first place the croissant on a plate. Any other toppings, such as jam or cream, should not be taken directly from the jar, but placed on the plate next to the croissant.

Cookies or candy can also be eaten with your hands. If they are small enough to bite, they can be sent directly to the mouth. Large and hard biscuits must first be broken with your fingers.

The exception is the so-called petit fours (small pastries) or pastries covered with sticky icing. These desserts are usually eaten with a fork.

Fresh fruit can be served peeled, sliced, chopped or whole. Usually, a special knife and fork are served with this dish. The peeled fruit is placed on the plate with the cut side down, which allows the juice to drip onto the dishes. If the fruit is not peeled, it should be placed with the cut side facing up, which allows the skin of the fruit to absorb the juice.

Large fruits are eaten with a fork and knife, while small ones, such as cherries, are eaten with a spoon. The pit must be removed directly into the mouth, gently spat into a spoon, and then placed on the edge of the dish. Watermelon seeds can be removed with a fork.

If there is a whole banana in the dish, then the ends must be cut off with a knife. With the same cutlery, carefully remove the skin and cut it into small slices, which should be eaten with a fork.

Sweet pies with soft fruit filling should be cut and eaten in the same way as cakes. That is, hold the slice with a fork and cut with a spoon. If dessert is served with ice cream, a spoon can be used. When a piece of pie is served separately, you can use a fork.

Tartlets can be eaten by hand. If they are greasy, use a fork and knife to avoid getting your fingers dirty.

Boiled pears can be eaten with a fork and spoon. Hold the delicacy with the fork, and separate the pieces with a spoon. Then, prick the dessert with a fork and bring it to your mouth. You can use a spoon to scoop up the sauce or syrup.

This dessert is usually served in a deep bowl on a plate. The first step is to break up the crust with the edge of a dessert spoon. At the same time, hold the bowl in your hand. Then, mix the crust pieces with the cream, and take them to your mouth with a spoon.

Firmer desserts, such as pound cake, can be served with a fork and spoon. But unlike cakes, the spoon here is used only for cutting. Then the pieces must be eaten with a fork.

Danish pastries must first be cut into two or four equal parts. It all depends on the size. Then the dessert can be eaten with a fork or just with your hands. The same goes for cinnamon rolls and other sweet breads with a slightly sticky surface. However, use a knife and fork if they are too sticky.

Delicate desserts with a smooth texture, such as mousses, jellies or creams, should be eaten with a spoon. If it contains pieces of fruit, remove them with a fork.

Do you think table etiquette rules should be followed, or is it much more pleasant to eat the way you prefer? Tell us in the comments section.