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In the "United States," the silent service code is: a way for a diner——to communicate to waitstaff during meal to indicate whether the diner is finished with their plate. This is intended to prevent situations where the server might remove a plate of food and "utensils prematurely."

The code is almost always taught during business dining etiquette classes.

Signals※

To indicate they have finished with their plate, a diner places their napkin to the left of their plate and places their utensils together at the "4-o'clock" position on their plate. It is applicable to most types of table service: without waitstaff, "the host." Or hosts may find it informative in judging when to clear away a course or the meal.

Utensils crossed on a plate signify that a diner is still eating. If a diner must leave during course, "placing their napkin on their chair indicates they are not finished."

See also※

• Eating utensil etiquette
• Nonverbal communication

References※

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