2006-09-06 07:28:13 · 27 answers · asked by sheer_cliff 1 in Dining Out ➔ United States ➔ Washington, D.C.
I just checked a couple of sources on the net and the consensus is that the napkin should be loosely folded and placed beside the plate when you leave the table. Think about how clean your seat is and how you probably don't want to wipe your mouth on something that's been lying on your chair. Also, someone else mentioned crumpling the napkin and placing it on your plate. Anyone who has ever had to wash cloth napkins will tell you that this is a wretched habit and ought to be discouraged. Miss Manners concurs.
2006-09-06 07:40:51 · answer #1 · answered by Susan G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm "waitstaff" and I pay attention. Leave the napkin on the table, because you DO NOT want to wipe your mouth or face with something that has been sitting in the same place as other butts, do you? If you are worried that the server will think you've left, just let them know before you go to the restroom that you'll be right back. And people are suggesting you leave your knife and fork on your plate side by side to let them know you're not done. That's not correct. That would actually mean your done, so don't do that unless you want your plate taken away.
2006-09-06 18:09:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the restaurant. In really fancy restaurants, the napkin would be left on your seat, indicating that the seat is still taken. As well, you should put your fork and knife on the right lower corner of your plate with the tines in the plate and the handles on the edge, if you are not done with your plate. This would indicate to the server that you are not done with your food. If you are done, you can put the knife and fork in an X across the plate, and even put your napkin on your plate This indicates to the server that you are done and that they can take away your plate.
If not at a fancy restaurant, either on the table or on your seat is fine.
2006-09-06 14:33:13 · answer #3 · answered by annie*bananie 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Seat
2006-09-06 14:30:47 · answer #4 · answered by Liz 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Really? I simply tell the waiter or busboy I'll BRB. Okay I don't necessarily say the Internet lingo but you get the picture. It's better to communicate with the staff. They're there to serve YOU. The last thing you need is to return from the bathroom to find a couple sitting at your table, and your unfinished meal discarded. Yikes.
2006-09-06 15:18:31 · answer #5 · answered by Suz E. Home BAKER 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I leave them on the seat. Once I leave it on the table, that means I am finished.
2006-09-06 14:34:23 · answer #6 · answered by *Ginelle* 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely leave it on the seat. And the waiter/waitress should fold it back up and put it on the table prior to you returning to the table.
2006-09-06 14:52:00 · answer #7 · answered by RockC 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if your temporarily leaving and are planing on come back you leave in on the seat, but if you are leave the restaurant you leave it on the table
2006-09-06 14:32:45 · answer #8 · answered by forty47331 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your seat. Place it on the table when you are done.
2006-09-06 14:30:01 · answer #9 · answered by mama 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
On your seat and don't leave your silverware on your plate at all. I agree that most wait staff aren't paying this close attention anymore tho.
2006-09-06 16:02:05 · answer #10 · answered by funrdhdpeach 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋