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.

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LUNCH NAPKIN

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

Never spit uneaten/chewed food into your napkin. 

 

Never tuck your napkin in your shirt collar. 

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SIZES

Formal Dinner         22 to 26 inch square

Buffet Service           8 to 24 inch square

Informal Dinner       18 to 20 inch square

Luncheons                14 to 16 inch square

Tea                                           12 inch square

Cocktail                                    9 inch square

                                                   or 4 x 6 or 6 x 8