In contrast to the European hidden handle grip, in the American style the fork is held much like a spoon or pen once it is transferred to the right hand to convey food to the mouth. Etiquette experts have noted that the American style of fork-handling is in decline, being perceived as inefficient and pretentious.

2. Switch Your Silverware. In France, the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right. This “Continental style” of eating will help you avoid the zigzagging back and forth as you switch the utensils between hands.

left hand

A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research shows the rise of standing-room-only restaurants isn’t doing your health any favors, though; a team of researchers at the University of South Florida found that eating while standing doesn’t allow you to fully enjoy your meal or eat the proper amount as compared …

Like most etiquette rules, mealtime elbow placement is a holdover from a bygone era. For earlier civilizations, it was a way to prevent outbreaks of violence at the table. “Table manners prevented us from leaving our space and starting a fight.

In fact, eating while standing up may be beneficial for reducing reflux and heartburn. That’s not to say that eating while standing is necessarily more beneficial than eating in a proper sitting position. As long as you can slow down and eat mindfully, whether you eat sitting or standing appears to matter very little.

During Jesus’ time, lying down to eat was already an ancient tradition. This position was adopted by Phoenician and Aramaic princes (populations of modern-day Syria) whilst the Greeks adopted it in the 6th century BCE. At that time, the privilege of lying down to eat was granted to all free men.

Don’t lie down after eating. For those with acid reflux, the valve between the esophagus and the stomach doesn’t function properly, allowing the contents of the stomach to back up into the esophagus. Lying down can make this problem worse, leading to late-night heartburn.