Dining Guide / Table Setting

Using Your Napkin

Fold your napkin in half on your lap and use it freely. Where you leave it tells the staff whether you’re coming back.

Key Points

1. In a full-course setting, the napkin sits folded on the charger plate at the center of your place. Once seated, unfold it when the host picks up theirs. At a casual meal, as soon as you’ve settled in is fine.
2. Fold it in half and lay it on your lap with the crease toward you.
3. Gently dab your mouth with the inner side of the fold. Marks stay hidden inside, out of sight.
4. If you step away, leave it loosely folded on your chair seat. When you’ve finished, place it loosely folded to the left of your plate.

Do

• Dab your mouth with the napkin whenever needed
• Chair seat when stepping away, left of the plate when done
• Fold it loosely — no need to be neat

Avoid

• Tucking it into your collar or belt
• Using your own handkerchief or tissue
• Putting it back with the soiled side out

Handy Tip

On the chair means “I’ll be back”; on the table means “I’m finished.” Where you leave it is the signal.

Practice in a Lesson

• Using Your Napkin — 6 min · Practice in a Lesson

Sources

• Emily Post Institute, “Table Manners Video - The Napkin” — Where to place a napkin when leaving and at the end of a meal.
• Emily Post Institute, “Top Table Manners Tips” — Posture, napkins, utensils, soup and phones at the table.

Last updated: October 31, 2026