What Do You Do With Your Napkin When You Leave the Table?
Proper etiquette and manners are important when having dinner at a restaurant or as a guest in someone's home. Knowing what to do with your napkin during the meal will help you avoid an awkward situation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Sitting Down
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During the meal you should place your napkin on your lap.
Getting Up
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According to Real Simple magazine writer Kerri Westenberg, if you need to leave the table, place your napkin loosely folded to the left of your place setting.
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On the Chair Seat
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Some etiquette experts suggest placing your napkin on the chair, but Westenberg cautions that the napkin may soil the seat and transfer stains to your clothing.
On the Back of the Chair
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Emily Post suggests placing your napkin on the back of your chair only if there is no room to place it on the table.
After Dinner
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Place your napkin anywhere on the table when you have finished eating and get up to leave.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Rene Ehrhardt
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Comments
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I just had an etiquette lesson with 8-11 yr old girls at the church. For those who remember Alta, my mother, she was adamant that we place our napkin on our chair when we left the table and I've taught my family the same. Today, the girls were taught to place it to the left of the plate. Of course, Hannah challenged me after and wanted to know why she was taught something different than what I had drilled into her -- I was curious too! So, it looks like placing it on the chair used to be the 'proper' thing to do, but now, you place it gently to the left of the plate. One more adaption to make! I guess the Kaloi kids get a new etiquette lesson with this Sunday's family meal!
