ETIQUETTE: ESSENTIAL NAPKIN RULES

Dining with a person is very revealing. You can easily “frame” and understand more about them while they’re sitting at a table, and you can see their behavior (don’t look at me like that…we all do it, lol). So, table manners are very, very important. Today, we are talking about the napkin. We usually find it on the left of the plate or folded on the plate. Back then, creative folding of the napkin was considered vulgar, but now it is acceptable (except for the napkin in the glass, which screams pizza joint or less).

The napkin should be picked up, unfolded, and placed on the lap, but not above the table level. You can do it nonchalantly and discreetly while conversing. You do it immediately at a restaurant, but when you are in a private home, you must wait for the host or hostess to do it first. They lead the show. A large dinner napkin is folded in half, with the fold facing the body, while the luncheon napkin should be opened completely. You must use it to wipe your mouth before drinking to avoid leaving stains on the rim of the glass and in between courses. Don’t just wipe your mouth theatrically. Tap it with the corner of the napkin (the inside part), so the stains won’t be visible, and place it back on your lap. 

Your napkin should remain on your lap during the meal. If you need to leave the table temporarily, please place your napkin in your chair and push your chair back under the table – this shows the wait staff that you will return to the table. When you return to your seat, please return the napkin to your lap. At the end of the meal, loosely place the napkin to the left of the plate. Please don’t refold it – this shows the wait staff that you have finished your meal.
If you think about it, it is very self-explanatory. Etiquette, in general, follows common sense. However, mastering these little gestures and behaviors will make you feel cosmopolitan and confident and shine at any dinner party.