This article was co-authored by Tami Claytor and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain. Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
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Proper table manners will help you make a great impression, but what are the rules for napkins? Don't worry—we've got you covered! In our comprehensive guide to napkin etiquette, we'll walk you through everything you need to know, whether you're at a nice restaurant or a formal dinner party. If you're ready to elevate your table manners and impress your dinner mates, read on.
Steps
Community Q&A
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QuestionIf your table setting is usually on the left why put the napkin to the right of the plate?wikiHow Staff EditorThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Staff AnswerwikiHow 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. -
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?wikiHow Staff EditorThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Staff AnswerwikiHow 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. -
QuestionWhere should I place my paper napkin when I'm finished with my meal?wikiHow Staff EditorThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Staff AnswerwikiHow 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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References
- ↑ https://whatscookingamerica.net/menu/diningetiquetteguide.htm
- ↑ https://www.sunflower.k-state.edu/4-h/pdf/Table%20Settings.pdf
- ↑ https://career.vt.edu/job-search/presenting_yourself/interviewing/dining-etiquette/FAQs-dining-etiquette.html
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 16 February 2022.
- ↑ https://www.missouriwestern.edu/student-services/wp-content/uploads/sites/130/2019/10/Etiquette-Essentials-Dining-Etiquette-Handout-Quiz.pdf
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 16 February 2022.
- ↑ https://www.etiquettescholar.com/dining_etiquette/table_manners_2.html
- ↑ https://www.missouriwestern.edu/student-services/wp-content/uploads/sites/130/2019/10/Etiquette-Essentials-Dining-Etiquette-Handout-Quiz.pdf
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 16 February 2022.
- ↑ https://www.missouriwestern.edu/student-services/wp-content/uploads/sites/130/2019/10/Etiquette-Essentials-Dining-Etiquette-Handout-Quiz.pdf
- ↑ https://whatscookingamerica.net/menu/diningetiquetteguide.htm
- ↑ https://www.kent.edu/career/dining-etiquette
- ↑ https://sacd.sdsu.edu/career/students/other-services/dining-etiquette
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Reader Success Stories
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"Good article. It tells me exactly what I would like to learn about the do's and dont's of napkins."