Size of Napkins Used for Afternoon Tea

Get the just the right napkins for afternoon tea.

In this day and age, not many Americans partake in afternoon tea but if you should decide to do so, consider the etiquette that goes along with this practice.

Napkin Size

Twelve-inch napkins are standard for afternoon tea. After eating, the napkin is folded with a crease and then placed on the left side of your place setting. This is an unspoken message to your host that you would like to be invited back to tea.

Setting the Table

When setting the table for tea, fold the napkins with the open edge to the right and the closed edge of the napkin facing the left. The napkin should be put to the left of the place setting. This is considered a formal table setting.

Good Manners

If you have to excuse yourself from the table, do not put your napkin on your chair. Instead, place the napkin to the left of your place setting. The reason you do not want to put the napkin on your chair is because it may be soiled, which will soil the chair covering and then you will sit on a soiled chair cover.

The French Court

During the 1700s, at the French court, the men would tie a napkin around their necks to protect their fancy collars, which is the origin of the expression "to make ends meet," according to What's Cooking America.

References

• What's Cooking America: Etiquette
• Logic Management: Host