How many times have I been to a function or hosted guests myself where at the dinner table, half way through the meal I notice that my guests have not touched their napkins. Now could this be because they forgot to pick up the napkin or that they simply do not know the function of the napkin. This for me appears to be one of the tools of the table that has been easily overlooked, ignored and taken for granted. Some people see the napkin as an extra table accessory that does not have too much significance. It appears as décor and beauty to the table itself. It is true the napkin does add that extra color and flavor to the finesse of the table setting but the napkin surely has more important functions too.

The napkin is represented as either a piece of fabric that comes in a small size for breakfast, medium sized for lunch and large sized for dinner. Napkins get finer and more delicate depending on the occasion. Where it is a special VIP guest dinner, there is a tendency to want to show more class through the quality, delicacy and detailed design of the napkin alongside high quality cutlery. Do not be surprised though if disposable napkins are also used depending on how casual the meal is for instance a picnic.

The Purpose of the Napkin Revealed

#STEP 1 : To start a meal

#STEP 2 : During the meal

#STEP 3 :Outside the meal

#STEP 4 :To end the meal

What you SHOULD NOT DO with your napkins

• Don’t start a meal until you open up your napkin
• Don’t place the napkin on your neck like a bib
• Don’t use the napkin to wipe your face down or your head
• Don’t use your napkin to spit into
• Don’t use your napkin to sneeze into
• Don’t use your napkin as a towel
• Don’t use your napkin to mop up spills
• Don’t use your napkin to take left overs away
• Don’t use a napkin like a rag

What you SHOULD DO with your napkin

1. Your napkin is an important accessory to show that you have Panache. Always open up your napkin on your lap immediately you take your seat. You do not need to wait for others before you use your napkin. Regardless of the size, practice this often. Even where everyone else has not used or touched their napkin try to lead by example.

2.Regularly dab the corners of your mouth while eating to remove crumbs or bits that may settle without you noticing. Try not to wipe but just dab during your meals. Your napkin is an immediate medium to protect your clothes against spillages or minor accidents when you least expect.

3.If you do experience foreign body or bones in your mouth, you may discreetly remove from your mouth with your napkin.

4.Let the waiter know you coming back whenever you desire to get up to receive a call or leave your seat momentarily by placing your napkin on the back or seat of your chair. If you don’t do this it will appear that you have finished eating meaning the waiter can pack your table setting away.

5.The best way to show you have completed your meal is to place your napkin on the left side of your plate. Just fold it carefully not muffled, do not dump in the middle of your plate.

6.For added glamour at your table setting you may use napkin rings or floral wires on your napkins. They come in various colours, sizes, shapes and designs. Colour and theme your table where necessary to set a conducive ambience. Disposable napkins can be set in a napkin holder placed in the center of the table.

Your napkin during meals is key especially in formal scenarios. It should not be overlooked or taken for granted. Show you have polish and panache at your next business or social meal.

Dare to be different and stand out from the crowd.

Bon Appetite!