Table Napkin Procedures

Before table napkins came into use, people wiped their mouths and fingers on the table cloth runner, a long strip of cloth along the table cloth edge. Table napkins came into use in the 16th century, where it became popular to fold napkins into unusual shapes, like birds, and to scent napkins using rose water or perfumes. These days, people may not use scented napkins, but several ways to fold table napkins do exist, as do other standard procedures for table-napkin use. Does this Spark an idea?

Napkin Placement

When setting a table, you have choices regarding how you wish to place the napkin. For example, one option is to place the napkin to the left of the forks, with the fold facing the forks. If the napkin is an oblong or rectangle shape, the fold lies away from the forks so the napkin can open like a book. You can also place the napkin underneath the forks or on the plate. Alternatively, you can choose to insert the napkin into a wine glass. The standard procedure is to place the napkin one inch from the edge of the table, aligned with the plate and flatware.

Napkin Folds

Buy napkins in linen or cotton with tightly woven threads for better-holding folds. It's also advisable to starch your napkins for folds that last. Make a basic fold by folding the napkin in half, from the top to the bottom. Then roll the folded napkin from left to right, slipping a napkin ring over it toward the middle.

For a basic dinner-napkin fold, fold the table napkin in half, from the top to the bottom. Then fold the right side one-third of the way to the left and fold the left side all the way over, covering the right fold.

Make a triangular luncheon fold by first making a square. Fold the napkin in half horizontally, then fold it vertically to get a square shape. Fold the square's bottom right corner up to the upper left corner to make a triangle. When placed on the table or plate, align the fold vertically.

If you prefer to place the napkin in a wine glass, start with a large, open napkin. Take the bottom right corner and roll the napkin up to the upper left corner. You will have a long, skinny napkin roll. Fold it in half and insert the napkin, folded side down, into the wine glass.

Napkin Types

Match the type of napkin you use with the event. Use paper napkins for casual events like luncheons, outdoor barbecues or picnics. Utilize solid-colored cloth napkins in the standard 20-inch by 20-inch sizes for formal dinners.

Using the Napkin

You will notice napkins already on the tables in most restaurants. Leave the napkin on the table until all guests have arrived and are seated at the table, then unfold and place the napkin on your lap. At a private dinner in a home, wait until the host removes his napkin before getting yours. During the meal, use your napkin only to wipe your mouth, not to blow your nose or wipe up anything else.

Place the napkin on your chair if you must leave the table and come back. Fold up the napkin neatly and place it on the table to the side of your plate before you leave the restaurant.