It’s important to know what to do when you are eating out. The lack of table manners can be an insult to the host and can even make some people feel out of place.
It’s important to know how to use simple things like serviettes or napkins.
About.com says when one is dining the napkin is an important part of the experience. Not only is it handy for blotting spills and patting your mouth, but it is also handy when you need to clean your hands.
Here are some etiquette tips for using your napkin while eating.
Using your napkin at a restaurant:
Once you have arrived at the restaurant and you have been seated the next thing you should do is remove your napkin from its place, unfold it and place it on your lap. This is where you should keep it until you need it.
Take the time to unfold rather than shake the napkin open before placing it on your lap. In some restaurants the wait person may provide this service for you.
If you prefer, it is perfectly okay to do this yourself instead of allowing the waiter to place it for you.
The napkin should remain on your lap until it is needed or the meal ends. You should never use your napkin to clean your silverware or to wipe your face.
If you need to blow your nose, excuse yourself from the table and dining area and use your handkerchief or a tissue. This is not an appropriate use of the dinner napkin.
If you need to excuse yourself from the table, you should use one hand to grab the napkin and then loosely fold the napkin, placing it to the left or right of your plate.
There is no need to refold your napkin, but try not to crumple it or make it into a ball.
Never leave the napkin on the chair or on the floor. At the end of the meal, leave the napkin semi-folded at the left side of the place setting or on the plate. Either of these moves will signal to the wait staff that you have completed that course.
