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The Proper Way to Use Napkins at a Banquet

February 02, 2023

Attending dinner invites or visiting a fancy restaurant is surely enjoyable. How could you not when a line of delicacies prepared by a reputable chef is ready to be served right in front of your eyes?

Even so, whether attending formal events or visiting high-class locations, remember to preserve proper body language and ethics. Also, make sure you know how to use cutlery and utensils on the table, especially napkins. Yes, napkins themselves are used to clean up the mouth area and prevent clothing from getting any stain. In most restaurants, napkins also serve as table decorations or settings. Even said, it must be acknowledged that utilizing napkins is not an everyday occurrence. And it's more commonly employed during banquets with the idea of excellent eating. 

The Proper Way to Use Napkins at a Banquet

Furthermore, napkins are classified into two varieties based on their material: paper napkins and cloth napkins. In terms of functioning, the two types of napkins are identical. So, how do you utilize napkins? There are so-called napkin rules in formal meal etiquette that govern how to handle iron. The following are the guidelines for using it:

  1. Do not use it right away. 
    When visiting a fancy restaurant, the server would normally spread napkins for the customers. But not many; the napkin is sufficient to be placed on the table, and it is the visitors who will use it. 
    Therefore, how do you put it to use? 

    If the dinner you're attending is an invitation-only occasion, pay attention to the person who invited us. Follow the invitee as soon as they spread the napkin. As a result, the time to spread the napkin is determined by the invitee. However, whether the waiter is going to assist you spread the napkin or if you are going to use it yourself, make sure that your body is upright while the napkin is spread.
     
  2. Avoid tucking the collar in. 
    Many people believe that tucking a napkin inside the collar of a shirt is the proper way to use one. Despite the fact that this is a huge error! 

    Return to point one, the proper method to utilize a napkin is to spread it across your lap.
     
  3. Start with the napkin 
    When do you believe napkin napkins should be used? The answer is before you drink. The objective is to ensure that no oil stains or other foods leave stains on the glass.
     
  4. How to clean your mouth with a napkin 
    Napkins are exclusively used to remove food remains from the mouth, according to their function. However, there are several things to keep in mind if you want to utilize it. 

    Use your right or both hands to hold the napkin. Then, while cleaning food remnants from your mouth, use only the tip of the napkin. Then, avoid wiping over the lips by wiping the corner of the mouth.
     
  5. Where should napkins be placed after leaving the table 
    Not rarely, in the middle of a banquet session, there is a desire to use the restroom, receive phone calls, or attend to other important things. If you have this, you must place the napkin on the side for a bit. However, don't throw it on the table carelessly. Place a napkin at the side of the chair as a sign that you will return. 

    Use the napkin again once you've finished your business. If you're in a luxury restaurant, the napkin may have been folded back or replaced with a fresh one and set on the table.
     
  6. When completed, place the napkin to the left of the plate. 
    Furthermore, once you have finished eating, do not rush to lay the napkin on the table. The truth is that you should wait for the person who invited you to set the napkin aside. 

    When it’s done, neatly put the napkin to the left of the dinner plate to indicate that you have concluded the meal. Remember that the clean napkin should be placed on the outside, while the napkin with food stains should be placed on the inside.
     
  7. Things you shouldn't do with napkins 
    If the napkin is made of fabric, it is almost probable that it will be washed and reused by someone else. As a result, don't use a napkin to clean your nose, as a receptacle for leftovers, to wipe perspiration, to clean filthy silverware, or even to wipe your face. Napkins should be used carefully. 

    Now get ready to attend some fancy dinner.
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