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Q&A for How to Use a Napkin with Proper Table Etiquette
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QuestionIf your table setting is usually on the left why put the napkin to the right of the plate?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerThe napkin is always placed to the left of your place setting (not the right). You should also put the napkin to the left of your place setting if you get up from the table and when you're finished eating.
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QuestionShould I place the napkin to the left of the fork with the fold toward the plate or to the right with corners to the bottom right?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerIn a proper place setting, the napkin is always placed to the left of the fork with the fold facing toward the plate.
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QuestionWhere should I place my paper napkin when I'm finished with my meal?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerPaper napkins are extremely uncommon in formal settings. If you're dining informally and using a paper napkin, there are no hard and fast rules about what to do when you're finished. Just put it on the table on the left side of your plate, leave it on your plate, or get up and throw it away.
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QuestionIs it correct that if I did not enjoy the meal, refolding the napkin to its original table fold is a way to communicate this to the chef?Community AnswerYes, I have heard this too. Folding a napkin after a meal tells the chef that you did not like the meal. If you want to compliment the chef, then, after the meal is over, you should place your napkin neatly on the table to the left of your dinner plate, with no soiled areas showing. Don't refold your napkin, wad it up, or place it on your plate.
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QuestionHow can I keep the napkin from falling off my lap while eating?Community AnswerKeep both feet flat on the floor and be aware of where your napkin is at all times. Don't cross your legs. If your chair is too high to keep your napkin on your lap, ask for a different chair. I have been known to tuck one end in a pocket or under one leg just to keep it from falling, but you never use it again if it falls to the floor; ask for a clean napkin. Of course, paper napkins are a different story from cloth ones: those are meant to be disposable, but they are also light weight and fall off more easily.
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QuestionIs it proper etiquette for a waiter or waitress to remove the napkin from your lap?Community AnswerNo, not to remove it, but it is proper for a waiter to take the napkin from a folded position on the table and gently drape it over your lap, ensuring not to touch the guest.
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QuestionIs it okay to wipe your knife onto a napkin between courses?Community AnswerNo. If your knife is soiled, ask for another; otherwise assume it is clean and doesn't need to be wiped.
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QuestionWhich napkin is yours, right or left side?Community AnswerThe napkin on your left is usually the one meant for you, but this may vary depending on the place where you are dining. If you're unsure, you can just look around and see which one other people are using.
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QuestionWhen setting a table, does the napkin go on the left or right sideCommunity AnswerWhen setting a table, it is usually placed to the right of the plate. But, this may vary upon where you are dining.
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QuestionWhen dining, when should the cloth napkin be removed?Community AnswerWhen you get up, if you need it to dab at your mouth, if you or your child spills something on the table or when you finish a meal.
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QuestionWhen the napkin is on my lap, do I keep the fold of the napkin towards me or the open end of the napkin?Community AnswerThe fold is on your lap. To use it, you pull the upper edge of the napkin towards you and dab your mouth with the inside of the folded napkin. This way you don't get stains on your clothing, and when the meal is finished, you will not see stains when placing the napkin on the left side of the plate on the table.
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QuestionDoes the open corner of a folded napkin face the plate/fork?Community AnswerThe open corners of the napkin are at the bottom right hand corner of the napkin, facing away from the plate.
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