Your Guide to Napkin Etiquette
Ever wondered how to use your napkin properly? Now you don't have to, as we've compiled this helpful one-stop-shop guide to Napkin Etiquette, so you'll be well on your way to excellent napkin manners at your next dinner party!
Cloth napkins come in several sizes, each size tailored to a specific use:
A beverage napkin, used when serving drinks and hors d’oeuvres, like most cloth napkins, is square, about five inches to each side. A luncheon napkin is a couple of inches larger, and a dinner napkin larger still. The theory, evidently, is that the more food and drink that is served, the more potential there is for spillage, so the bigger the napkin must be to catch it!
Cloth napkins may be purchased in a rainbow of colours and a variety of fabrics, imprinted with custom designs and monograms, and can even come with matching tablecloths. However, a high-thread-count, white, linen or linen-cotton mix damask napkin is still considered the zenith of elegance.
Whether the napkin is cloth or paper, when in company, a napkin is to be used with a measure of etiquette, so as not to offend other diners.
So how do we actually use our napkin at the dining table? And what do the various placements really mean? We're about to reveal all....
You should pick up your napkin as soon as you have been seated.
Wait for the host to pick up theirs and then do the same. Unfold your napkin if it's larger than your lap and fold it so that it just covers your lap. Don't wait until food is being served to move your napkin.
Your napkin should remain in your lap unless you need to leave the table
Don't use your napkin to clean your cutlery or wipe your face. If you must wipe your face, you should excuse yourself and do so in the water closet or away from the table.
If you must leave the table leave the napkin, loosely folded, on your seat or on the table to the left of your plate.
Also put the loosely folded napkin to the left of your plate when you’re done eating, never on the plate unless you have finished your meal.
Your napkin is for the lap only.
Your napkin should not be tucked into your shirt or trousers unless cultural practice suggests so, in which case you may take hints from your company.
Now you're up to date on Napkin Etiquette, your next attendance at any dinner party or banquet should be a success! Check out our wide range of Napkins here at Hireall.ie for your next event. We're Ireland's leading Leading Catering Equipment and Event Furniture Hire Company!
