When the diner has finished, he signals this by setting the fork and knife parallel to each other, so they lie either horizontally across the center of the plate or are on the diagonal, with the handles pointing to the right. The cutting edge of the knife blade should face toward the diner, and the fork may be placed with the tines either up or down. Soup is sipped from the front side, and the soup spoon is not inserted into your mouth. Do not slurp or make noises. Be careful how you hold your utensils.
Many people tend to make a fist around the handle of the utensil.
The fork is held in the left hand, tines pointing down, to spear the food and bring it to the mouth. When in doubt, use American standard unless you were reared in Europe. Dessert utensils may be found placed across the top of the place setting. Always pass the salt and pepper together. Pass items such as creamer, syrup pitcher or gravy boat with the handles pointing toward the recipient.