Napkin
SHANCES
SOCIAL READINESS & ETIQUETTE
FORMAL NAPKIN
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.
LUNCH NAPKIN
Lunch napkins, which are smaller than dinner napkins, are placed in your lap completely unfolded.
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.
NAPKIN TIPS
Never spit uneaten/chewed food into your napkin.
Never tuck your napkin in your shirt collar.
NAPKIN SIZES
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
