2006-09-15 03:13:23 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I see there's no secret about food falling in our laps . . .
I have a friend, raised by the upper crust in Brasil.The first time we went out to a nice dinner she wore a dress suit, and stuck that napkin right in the neck of her blouse, as casual and natural as can be. (I'm picturing 'The Godfather'!). Now, she has other cultures in her backround, so this might be something done elsewhere. But, ya' know, I'm never shy to bib myself when something messy comes along. Smart is always appropriate.
2006-09-15 03:35:17 · answer #1 · answered by Zeera 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Using the napkin at formal occasions, as with much else associated with etiquette, should be a delicate affair. It is meant only to be dabbed at the lips and should not get dirty in the process. It might seem that the napkin is provided precisely so that it can help the diner clean up any mess that might occur during the course of the meal. Of course, this was its original use, (once the tablecloth itself ceased to be used as a napkin), and at an informal occasion such as a barbeque, it still performs this service. But the more formal the event, the more vestigial the presence of the napkin, because the purpose of nearly every aspect of table manners is to preserve cleanliness and proper appearance. If all other elements of the meal are going well, there will be no danger of smudging the linen.
2006-09-15 10:18:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know why it would be good manners, but I do it to mostly keep crumbs from falling in my lap (forgive my messiness). Also, it's kind of gross if you wipe your mouth (think spaghetti sauce) and you keep the stained napkin on the table.
2006-09-15 10:17:01 · answer #3 · answered by alisha_kelly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not that it's good manners, it's just that instead of food being spilt on ur clothes, it may fall on the napkin..it's used when eating in a restaurant..that's all
2006-09-15 11:30:35 · answer #4 · answered by what goes around comes around 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cos it is probably good manners to let food fall on your lap....so the napkin's there to protect...lol
2006-09-15 10:21:47 · answer #5 · answered by Turak 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So that way if something drops off your fork, it will land on the napkin instead of you.
2006-09-15 10:21:55 · answer #6 · answered by kmami 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That way if something drops off your fork, it will land on the napkin instead of you.
2006-09-15 10:16:55 · answer #7 · answered by locolady98 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So all your sloppy little stains aren't seen by the other guests at the table.
2006-09-15 10:17:07 · answer #8 · answered by Bran McMuffin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah! And not talk with your mouth full. Or chew with your mouth open. Or burp and fart at the table. That's it . . . I'm goin' to Burger King!
2006-09-15 10:17:11 · answer #9 · answered by alchemist0750 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's actually to cover your clothes from gettin spoiled.
2006-09-15 10:21:52 · answer #10 · answered by Lady_Marmalade 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋