Napkins - History, Etiquette & Folding
In the United States, when setting a table, napkin is typically placed to the left of one's place setting, while in Europe, it is placed to the right of the spoon. A beautifully folded napkin sets scene for a meal to remember.
Etiquette:
· As soon as you sit down, unfold napkin gently and place it on your lap. A dinner napkin should be placed on your lap folded in half. For lunch, brunch, breakfast or tea party, napkin is usually smaller in size and can be placed on your lap completely open.
· To wipe your mouth, dab gently with side of napkin that doesn’t touch your clothes.
· When excusing yourself from table, place napkin to left of your plate roughly folded. An alternative option is to place it on your chair.
· At completion of meal, place your used napkin on the left of your plate, or if table has been cleared where your plate was placed.
Napkin Folding:
The final touch of décor is the napkin. Elaborate designs can be created by simple twists and pulls, transforming your napkin into a piece of art. For basics, try napkin pocket, where you can tuck a set of utensils inside. First, fold bottom edge of a napkin up to the middle. Second, fold bottom up again on top of itself. Then fold the two sides to meet in back. Fold insides again, and place napkin on table. Tuck utensils neatly into front pocket.
