No. Clear verbal communication is always most effective.
The most important rule to remember?
Placing your knife and fork parallel after finishing your meal.
Is putting away or pushing away plates rude?
In formal settings, yes. Let the servers do their job.
Understanding the language of cutlery isn't a matter of rigid rules, but of awareness. It's a subtle element of table manners that, when used properly, can make you appear elegant, attentive, and knowledgeable.
