Where should you place your utensils to signal the wait staff that you have finished eating?

Placing your utensils at the 10 o'clock or 2 o'clock position on the plate is a universally recognized signal to the wait staff that you have finished your meal. This positioning indicates to servers that you are done without creating confusion, as it clearly displays a deliberate choice rather than an accidental placement.

This method helps waitstaff easily identify that your plate can be cleared, contributing to a smoother dining experience. Using specific positions also aligns with formal dining etiquette, which is important in many dining settings, especially those that emphasize service and tradition. Such signals can also vary from culture to culture, but the 10 and 2 positioning remains widely understood in many dining establishments.