Etiquette expert reveals the polite way to use your knife and fork while eating

An etiquette expert has sparked debate after revealing the rules to using cutlery properly during meal. 

Vancouver-based wine critic and writer, Dr Clinton Lee, is a TikTok creator with 1.5 million followers.

His regular etiquette videos tackle a range of topics including the best way to butter bread, and the best way to stand at cocktail parties. 

In a recent clip he revealed that you should put your knife and fork down while you’re chewing your food, rather than keeping your cutlery in your hand, and said that there are two different ways to choose from when it comes to placing the utensils. 

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Vancouver-based wine critic and writer, Dr Clinton Lee, who has 1.5 million TikTok followers, often makes videos covering etiquette topics

He said: ‘There are two schools [of thought]. 

‘One school would place the knife down [on the plate], and the fork would cover the knife. 

‘There’s also another alternative, which would be you’ve taken your piece, you’ve eaten, and while you’re chewing away, put your fork on the side [of the plate] and your knife on the [other] side [of the plate].’

In terms of which one to pick, he added: ‘Personally, I would watch what the host or the hostess, which is the option they are using.’

A number of commentators did not appreciate the etiquette tips – saying that they were too complicated or time consuming among other reasons

The video sparked mixed comments, with some people thinking the rules were going too far, and others revealing which is their own preference while eating.

Among those who felt the rules were too convoluted, one wrote: ‘Why does life have to be so damn complicated.’

Another added: ‘I consume my meal within seconds so this is never an issue.’

And a third wrote: ‘I love your content but have a hard time imagining the world in which one uses these techniques.’

A number of fans said they enjoyed the video, with the majority revealing that they prefer method number two

However, others loved the tips, with one saying: ‘Thank you for all your tips, I used them in my cruise to feel like the main character lol, had a blast feeling fancy.’

Others shared which of the two methods they use, with number two (putting the knife and fork down on opposite sides of the plate) emerging as the most popular.

One TikTok user wrote: ‘Option 2 both sides of dish could get messy and the knife pointing up could slip off and fall or any liquid may drip. Keep them in always. No options.’

Another agreed, adding: ‘Option 1 is a no-go if the meal has any sauce whatsoever as you’re going to get it on the handles.’