If you are not finished with your meal, when you leave the table, where should you place your napkin?

Question

I've read and been taught that you should not place it on the table because it's rude to place a dirty napkin on a table with food so you should place it on your chair. But I've read lately that placing it on your chair is rude (you don't want to touch your mouth with a napkin that has been on the seat of a chair) and that you should place it folded to the left of your dinner plate. I have searched online and found both- which is true and under what circumstances?

I know all about proper utensil placement- it's the napkin thing that is stuck in my craw. Silly, but it is driving me crazy.

Answer 1

I semi-fold mine and place to the right of my plate. By semi-fold I mean I pick it up from the center, let it fall into a natural triangle, and then lay it down on the table. The placement of the fork and knife let the server know when you are finished, in a good restaurant; with the fork tines down and laid across the plate, the knife next to it with the sharp side facing the fork.

You can't always do this if you are in a buffet or lower price range restaurant and be assured your plate will still be there, so if you are alone and unsure, tell the server before you leave that you will be back.

Well don't be unsure any longer; I'm old, brought up in the old school, eat out a lot, have a good deal of experience and have never gone wrong with the information I just gave you. My father was a very successful businessman, dined with the Kennedys, and other top government officials, he thought it important that we learn proper etiquette that was logical and useful, not the silly stuff like holding your little finger up while drinking tea. Many people now don't even know how to property eat soup!! Good luck.

Answer 2

I was always taught to place the napkin on the table to the left of the plate when not finished with the meal. Also, to place all the utensils on the plate when you are finished shows the server that you are finished.

Answer 3

If you intend to return and eat more of your meal, place the napkin on the chair. I have never heard that it's rude to put the napkin on the chair. If you don't intend to eat more of your meal, put the napkin on the table.

Answer 4

You place it on the seat of your chair.