How to Use Napkins as a Guest

If you are invited to a meal by the host, the correct use of napkins during the meal is a reflection of your upbringing. There are more rules when dining in private than when dining in a restaurant.

1. Restaurant
Pick up the napkin as soon as you sit down.
The first thing you do when you are seated in a restaurant is to take out the napkin, then unroll it naturally and spread it over your lap. The napkin will stay here until you need it. Remember, just unfold the napkin slowly, don't pick it up and throw it away;
A cue for the end of the meal. At the end of the meal, place the napkin half-folded on the left side of the dining position or on the plate. This action will signal to others that you are done eating.
2. Private places
Let the master take the lead.
Once the host unfolds his or her napkin, this heralds the official start of the banquet. At this point you unfold the napkin again and place it on your lap. If the napkin is large, you can fold it lengthwise or diagonally. As in restaurants, the napkin should be left on your lap until you need it;
Keep an eye on the host during the meal. The host usually puts the napkin on the table to indicate the end of the meal. Once the meal is over,
You should also end your meal and place the napkin neatly to the left of the place or on the plate.
3. Precautions
Never press the napkin into the neckline like a child's bib, this is for children only;
If you use a napkin ring, put the napkin ring on the upper left corner of the table after taking it off before eating. After the meal is finished, put the napkin back into the ring and put it on the table so that the tip of the napkin points to the center of the table;
During the meal, if you need to wipe your mouth if you are prompted by others, you should pat it with a napkin to make the napkin absorb the stains. Remember to wipe your mouth with a napkin before drinking to avoid stains on the rim.
If you need to get up in the middle of the meal, you should fold the napkin and put it on the chair, and never put the napkin back on the table during the meal;
If the napkin is accidentally dropped, do not pick it up and reuse it. At this time, you should signal the waiter to come and change a new one;
Do not wipe dishes or your face and nose with napkins. These should be done with a handkerchief or napkin;
Don't mess up your napkin after a meal, that means your napkin is dirty; don't fold it too neatly, which means you think the host will use it again without washing it.