Dinner Napkin Etiquette

Recently over lunch at a fancy restaurant, my friend and I talked about Emily Post's Etiquette for using a Dinner Napkin.  

The conversation sparked by noticing our friends and business associates that leave the dinner napkin on the table until food arrives.

Here is what Emily Post and For Dummies prescribes when dining at a restaurant:

1. Place the napkin on your lap immediately upon sitting
2. Unfold the napkin in half – do not flap your napkin to open
3. Use only to clean mouth – not for nose or lipstick
4. When getting up, place to the left of your plate or on your chair – not necessary to refold (some restaurants will refold for you)
5. When finished dinner including dessert, place on the left side of your plate – do not refold

My friend thought the whole “unfolding, refolding” may have started by the aristocrats who wouldn’t fathom doing an act that their servants would perform.  Silly or not, it is best to be over-prepared than under-prepared, especially in a business setting where you are being observed (like in an interview).

Well, something fun to discuss on your next dinner with friends.