Dinner Napkin Etiquette

The Five Uses of Dinner Napkins

Napkins are used as signals as wells as tools during a meal. If you've ever assumed you didn't need one, perhaps knowing the five uses of a napkin might help you reconsider.

1. The Napkin Begins a Meal

Your napkin signals the start of a meal. If you are hosting, you should lead the way by first placing your napkin in your lap so that your guests will follow suit.

Your napkin is placed to the left of the forks, or decoratively on the place setting

Pick up the napkin at the bottom right edge with your left hand

Lift your napkin off the table as it unfolds

Place the napkin, folded in half, on your lap with open edges toward your waist

2. Catches Crumbs

We don't often stop to think about the true purpose of placing a napkin in our laps. Until we spill or drop something. 

How wonderful when there is an extra piece of fabric in our lap to catch those little mishaps!

3. Wipes Mouth Edges

Gently wipe the sides of your mouth as needed to remove crumbs or sauces. 

If you hold your napkin so the inside of the top layer is used to wipe, you can avoid having a visibly stained napkin in your lap and keep the stain from jumping onto you or the tablecloth.

4. Contains Coughs and Sneezes

Napkins come in handy when you need to cough or sneeze at the table. Cover your mouth and nose with your napkin to help keep germs contained. 

However, if you can't stop coughing, or if that sneeze was a bit much, quickly excuse yourself and leave the table to take care of the issue.

5. Napkins End the Meal

When the meal is done, loosely fold your napkin and place it on the left side of your place setting. 

This signals to fellow diners and the wait staff that it is time for you to leave.

What Not to Do with a Napkin

Place it anywhere on your body other than your lap

Lay it on the plate at any time

Place it anywhere on the table other than to the left of your place setting

Blow your nose or wipe your face

Pick it up off the floor if you drop it when you are at a restaurant. (At a restaurant, you would kick it under the table.) Simply ask your waiter or host for a new one

Just toss it anywhere on the table as you leave

In a variety of ways, proper use of napkins keeps your meals flowing in an efficient manner. Used as a signal, or a functional tool, your napkin is a most welcome helper.

 Contributor, Candace Smith is a retired, national award-winning secondary school educator, Candace Smith teaches university students and professionals the soft skills of etiquette and protocol. She found these skills necessary in her own life after her husband received international recognition in 2002. Plunged into a new “normal” of travel and formal social gatherings with global leaders, she discovered how uncomfortable she was in many important social situations. After extensive training in etiquette and protocol, Candace realized a markedly increased confidence level in meeting and greeting and dining skills and was inspired to share these skills that will help others gain comfort and confidence in dining and networking situations. Learn more at  http://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/

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