Dining etiquette for utensils. The English do not switch knives and forks. The knife remains in the right hand, and the fork remains in the left. When the meal is finished, the knife and fork are laid parallel to each other across the right side of the plate. The fork is often held tines down, so that food is scooped up onto the backside of the fork; do this after much practice, or with foods that can stick to the back of the fork (like mashed potatoes and peas). Dining etiquette the place setting. The knife above the plate is used for butter; otherwise, always start from the outside and work your way in, course by course. Dining etiquette for hands. Hands are kept in your lap at the dinner table. Dining etiquette for passing food. At the table, pass all dishes to your left.