Etiquette at the dinner table

2. Do you ever wonder what to do with your
napkin during a dinner party or at a fine
restaurant?
Should you put it in your lap, and if so,
when?
Then what do you do with it after you're
finished eating?

3. What is a Table Napkin?
A napkin, serviette or face towelette is a rectangle of cloth
used at the table for wiping the mouth and fingers while
eating. It is usually small and folded, sometimes in intricate
designs and shapes. The word comes from Middle English,
borrowing the French nappe—a cloth covering for a table—
and adding -kin, the diminutive suffix. However, not
everyone knows how to use it. Proper dining etiquette
and table manners includes knowing how to use your
napkin.
When dining, using your napkin properly is an important part
of the experience. Not only is it handy for blotting spills and
patting your mouth, but it is also essential when you need to
clean your hands. Here are some etiquette tips for using
your napkin while eating.

4. Using Your Napkin at a
Restaurant

5. Pick up your napkin as soon as you are
seated. Once you have been seated at the
restaurant, the next thing you should do is remove
your napkin from its place. Without making a fuss,
unfold it and place it on your lap. This is where you
should keep it until you need it. Take the time to
unfold rather than shake the napkin open before
placing it on your lap. In some restaurants the wait
person may provide this service for you, but that is
becoming less common. However, even if they do, if
you prefer, it is perfectly okay to do this yourself
instead of waiting for the waiter to place it for you.

6.  Keep the napkin in your lap. The napkin should remain
on your lap until either it is needed or the meal ends. You
should never use your napkin to clean your silverware or
to wipe your face. If you need to blow your nose, excuse
yourself from the table and dining area and use your
handkerchief or a tissue. This is not an appropriate use
of the dinner napkin.
 Place the napkin to the side when you get up during
the meal. If you need to excuse yourself from the table,
you should use one hand to pick it up and then loosely
fold the napkin, placing it to the left or right of your plate.
There is no need to refold your napkin, but try not to
crumple it or make it into a ball. Never leave the napkin
on the chair or allow it to drop on the floor.

7.  Place the napkin to the side when you get up
during the meal. If you need to excuse yourself from
the table, you should use one hand to pick it up and
then loosely fold the napkin, placing it to the left or right
of your plate. There is no need to refold your napkin,
but try not to crumple it or make it into a ball. Never
leave the napkin on the chair or allow it to drop on the
floor.
 Use your napkin to show when you are finished. At
the end of the meal, leave the napkin semi-folded at the
left side of the place setting or on the plate. Either of
these moves will signal to the wait staff that you have
completed that course.

8. Using Your Napkin at a
Private Dinner Party

9.  Let the host take the lead. The formal dinner party meal officially
begins once the host or hostess unfolds his or her napkin. This is a
signal to all of the guests to follow suit; unfold your napkin and place
it on your lap. You may leave it folded lengthwise if it is a large
dinner napkin.
 Keep the napkin in your lap. As at a restaurant, the napkin should
remain on the lap until you need to be excused for some purpose or
the meal ends.
 Watch your host or hostess closely during the meal. He or she
will generally signal the end of the meal by placing his or her napkin
on the table. Once the meal is over, you too should end your meal
and signal you have done so by placing your napkin neatly on the
table to the left of your dinner plate. Remember there is no need to
attempt to refold the napkin as it is considered soiled and will need
to be laundered.

10. What Not to Do?
Just as important as knowing how to use
your napkin is knowing what you shouldn't
do with it. Here are some tips:

11. Don't use your napkin as a prop to explain
something during a discussion.
Don't tuck your napkin into your shirt. If you are
eating lobster or other messy food, you may ask for
a special bib for this purpose.
Don't blow your nose into your napkin.
Whether you are dining in a fancy restaurant or at a
friend's house, you should try to be courteous and
neat as you eat, using your napkin as necessary.
Be as inconspicuous as possible when putting your
napkin in your lap at the start of the meal and then
back on the table when it is over.

12. Thank You!