Restaurant owners and their staff see all kinds of people doing all kinds of things with their linen napkins. While most people use their linen napkin to lay in their lap, dabbing their mouth ever so often, some people use their napkin to store half-eaten food, use as a party favor, etc.
So what is the proper use of a linen napkin? According to John H. Remer, Jr. of The Etiquette Guy (www.etiquette guy.com) the thing to keep in mind is, respect. Think about the wait staff having to handle the napkin before putting that half-eaten piece of food inside. Consider the person who will clear the table and have to handle your personal hankie, if in fact you used it as your personal sneeze stopper.
Mr. Remer reminds us that the linen napkin should be placed on your lap with the fold towards you, and should not be placed on the table until you are through eating. If you have to get up during the meal, place your napkin on your chair, not the table. And finally, when you are through eating, place your napkin to the left of your plate, not in it.
If you follow these simple guidelines and remember to show consideration, you will enhance your own dining experience and earn the respect and admiration of the wait staff in the restaurants you frequent.
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