Finger Food Etiquette

When it comes to eating with your fingers, there are etiquette rules to determine when and when you should NOT use your fingers. Much has to do with culture and customs, but here in the US, there are some easy finger food etiquette tips to keep in mind.

Have you ever been to a cocktail party and wondered if you should grab a utensil or just pop the shrimp into your mouth in one big bite? 

Finger Food Etiquette

7 Foods You Can Eat With Your Fingers (Sometimes)

Shrimp

Eating shrimp can be a challenging chore. If the shrimp is served as part of the entrée, you will probably want to use your knife and fork. In this case, it’s perfectly fine to use your utensils to “fish” out the tail. When served cold shrimp as an appetizer or in a buffet line, you can use your fingers and eat it in one or two bites. Avoid peeling the tail back and struggling to get the last remains of the tail meat. If you are in a comfortable social environment, among friends and family, dig in. At a business meal or cocktail party, the emphasis is on the other person, not necessarily the food. Spending an unusual amount of time scooping out the tail meat makes you appear too anxious and very hungry!

Corn on the Cob

A savvy host knows better than to serve corn on the cob at a formal meal. However, all bets are off for backyard barbeques and informal meals. You eat corn on the cob with your fingers and, at all costs, avoid picking your teeth in public after you are through. Hold the corn by the ends, with your fingers, and butter a few rows at a time instead of rolling the entire cob in butter. You can break large cobs in half. Some hosts will offer little corn holders, inserted into the ends of the corn, usually in the shape of a pig or a mini stalk of corn. I hadn’t thought much about the different designs until I started writing this blog. Growing up, my grandmother had little pig bottoms with a curly tail – not sure what that was about!

Asparagus

Believe it or not, etiquette dictates you can eat asparagus with your fingers. Served with hummus for dipping is acceptable. Served on your plate, use your utensils or you run the risk of looking foolish. It never appears to be appropriate to pick up a soggy, limp asparagus spear with your bare hands. Some say it’s fine if the asparagus is firm but I suggest using a fork and knife if it is on your plate.

Hard Boiled Eggs

You are cracking the shell with your fingers, and you can eat the inside egg with your fingers as well. You can also eat deviled eggs with your fingers, taking two small bites rather than shoving the entire half of the egg in your mouth.

French Fries and Waffle Fries

You probably think I am going to default to fingers for these two food options, but surprisingly, with a burger at your favorite burger joint, fingers are a definite yes. However, if you are served fries or “roasted potatoes” in the shape of thick fries at a more formal meal, it is most appropriate to use a knife and fork. Cut the fries into half or three pieces, depending on the size, dip in the accompanying sauce (notice I don’t say ketchup), and eat. My favorite waffle fry is served at Chick-fil-A and I eat them in my car with my fingers before I can get them home to share!

Tacos and Pizza

Hands down, straight up finger food. 

You may also like Galentine’s Day Tea Etiquette. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on Huff Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.