15th C. Napkin Etiquette Changes

The classic painting “Last Supper” from 1464-1467 AD, by Dieric Bouts depicts the use of napkins on the dinner table.

 

The 1400’s saw Big Changes for the Table Napkin

Curiously enough, that article now considered almost indispensable, the table napkin, was first used only by children and was adopted by elder members of the family about the middle of the fifteenth century. 

In etiquette books of an earlier date than this, among other sage pieces of advice for children, are instructions about wiping their fingers and lips with their napkins. It seems that the tablecloth was long enough to reach the floor and served the grown people in place of napkins.  

When they did begin to use napkins, they placed them first on the shoulder, then on the left arm and finally tied them about the neck. – Times Gazette, 1902

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