Napkin

SHANCES
SOCIAL READINESS & ETIQUETTE

FORMAL NAPKIN

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At a formal dinner, place your napkin in your lap after the host/hostess has placed the napkin in his/her lap. The dinner napkin should be kept folded in half with the crease facing your stomach.

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LUNCH NAPKIN

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Lunch napkins, which are smaller than dinner napkins, are placed in your lap completely unfolded.

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When leaving the table, place your napkin folded loosely to the left of your plate, being sure to hide stains.  It is not improper to leave your napkin in your chair; however, stains may transfer from the napkin to the seat.  This may stain your host's chair or your clothes when you sit back down.

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NAPKIN TIPS

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Never spit uneaten/chewed food into your napkin.  

 

Never tuck your napkin in your shirt collar. 

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NAPKIN SIZES

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Formal Dinners                                   22 to 26 inches square

Buffet Service                                     18 to 24 inches square

Informal Dinners                                18 to 20 inches square

Luncheons                                          14 to 16 inches square

Tea                                                                 12 inches square

Cocktails                      9 inches square, 4 x 6 or 6 x 8 inches