What is table napkin folding?

Napkin folding is a type of decorative folding done with a napkin. It can be done as art or as a hobby. Napkin folding is most commonly encountered as a table decoration in fancy restaurants. Typically, and for best results, a clean, pressed, and starched square cloth (linen or cotton) napkin is used.

Where does the napkin go when leaving the table?

Your napkin should remain on your lap during the meal. If you need to leave the table temporarily, place your napkin in your chair and push your chair back under the table – this signals to the wait staff that you will be returning to the table. When you return to your seat, return the napkin to your lap.

Where does the napkin go on the table?

For a formal table: Place napkins to the left of the forks if there’s room on the table; otherwise, you can place them under the forks, or position them on the charger or placemat. For an informal table: Place them under the forks, or in the middle of the place setting.

Why is it called a napkin?

The word “napkin” originates from Middle English, derived from Old French “nappe” meaning a “tablecloth” and adding the suffix -kin. It is functionally the same as a napkin, made either of cloth or paper, and used mostly for cocktail receptions, for meals eaten when standing up, etc.

Why do the British eat with their fork upside down?

Having the fork “upside down” makes it easier to remove most food from the fork to the mouth. The exception is peas, where I deviate from European practice and keep the fork the other way up in order to “spoon” peas onto it and into my mouth.

When should you place your napkin in your lap?

Does the napkin go on right or left?

The napkin goes either to the left of the fork on the very outside, or if you have three forks in a formal table setting, put the napkin on the plate. When you sit down, unfold the napkin and put it on your lap. If you get up, put it on your chair. When finished, set your napkin neatly to the left of your plate.

What side should cutlery be set on?

left
Cutlery placement. Place your cutlery on the table in the order of use, starting from the outside and working inwards with each course. Forks should be set to the left of the plate, with knives placed to the right, blade edges facing inwards Soup spoons should be placed on the right of the knives.