Removing Dishes from Occupied Tables

1. When ready to clear a course (all guests have finished), stand at the right of the first diner.

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2. Extend the right hand to the diner’s right, and grip the plate. Leave the flatware on it. Place the index and middle fingers under the plate, and clasp the thumb tightly on the top of the plate. Withdraw the plate around the guest.

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Removing Dishes from Occupied Tables

3. Transfer the plate to the left hand, using the same grip.

4. Place forks next to each other on the plate, turned outward.

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5. Place the knife under the bridge (curved part) of the fork with the sharp edge turned outward.

Removing Dishes from Occupied Tables

6. Still holding the first plate, remove the second plate from the second diner in the same manner.

7. Place the second plate on the lower left forearm. Support the plate at three points: lower forearm (not wrist), the thick part of the thumb of the left hand, and the upturned little and ring fingers of the left hand.

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Removing Dishes from Occupied Tables

8. Remove the knife and fork from the second plate to the first. Place them next to the original flatware.

9. Stack the first plate on top of the second plate, and hold it in the left hand. Continue using this procedure around the table, but place plates on a tray or cart when they begin to get too heavy.

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Removing Dishes from Occupied Tables