Absurd Napkin Etiquette

A 1902 cookbook, extending its branches of information in many directions, was responsible for the following ridiculous etiquette advice; “Always pin your napkin to your dress when at dinner, that it may not fall under the table. It may be pinned so that the pin cannot be seen.” Even this young girl knew better. 

Nothing is so humorous as the writings upon etiquette, by people to whom such knowledge is a “sealed book.” A cookbook, which extends its branches of information in many directions, is responsible for the following etiquette advice; “Always pin your napkin to your dress when at dinner, that it may not fall under the table. It may be pinned so that the pin cannot be seen.” Imagine a dinner table full of men and women returning to the drawing room, each wearing a serviette apron which he or she has forgotten to unpin! —New York Times, 1902

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia