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Tines Up or Down?

 Forks on the Table

Hi Polite One,

I have been searching online but couldn't find an answer.  Do you know if setting the forks, tines down instead of the traditional tines pointing up, on the table is considered appropriate?  Here in NYC, some fancy restaurants do that, and my friend argued that "they don't know what they are doing" when I think it is just a modern variation.

You as the expert should have some thoughts about it.

Thanks.

Girlie Chang, NYC

Dear Girlie Chang,

It is fine and is done often, although we don’t accept it as completely proper.  In a restaurant, they are trying to create drama.  Therefore, they may place their napkins in glasses as well.  This is also not how we traditionally set our tables.  But it looks nice. 

Sincerely,

The Polite One

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