🍽️ Napkin Etiquette: Where to Place It After a Meal – Ask Nana Anything
Ask Nana Anything
🌟 Ask Nana Anything: Where Should I Put My Napkin When I’m Done Eating at a Restaurant?
Ever wondered what to do with your napkin when you’re finished dining? Don’t worry, Nana’s here to make it simple (and keep those etiquette points in check)!
🚫 Rule #1: Never, Ever Put Your Napkin on a Dirty Plate
Napkins and dirty plates don’t mix—ever! Whether it’s a cloth or paper napkin, it’s best to fold or loosely crumple it and place it to the left of your plate.
✨ Etiquette Approved: Even the fanciest etiquette books confirm this rule. Crumpling up a dirty napkin and throwing it on your plate? Big no-no. Let’s keep things classy, shall we?
🗑️ Rule #2: Look for a Trash Can
Got a paper napkin? Do your server (and yourself) a favor—find the nearest trash container and toss it there.
💡 Quick Tip: Keep other trash—like empty creamer or sugar packets—off your plate too. Aside from being unsanitary, it’s just bad manners. Let’s leave the plate for food, not a mini landfill!
🧺 Rule #3: Handling Cloth Napkins
If you’re dining with cloth napkins, here’s what to do:
- Still have your plate? Fold your napkin and place it to the left of the plate or in the napkin ring.
- Plate already cleared? Place the napkin neatly in the empty space in front of you.
👵 Nana’s Memory: I can just imagine my mom smiling (in my mind, of course) knowing that her lessons—”Nana’s Manners”—have stood the test of time.
📚 Etiquette Scholar’s Top Tip
Remember: The only place for a napkin is on the table—not the plate. And while that may seem like common sense to some, not everyone grew up with Nana’s rules. (Let’s face it, not all of us had a mother from Boston Proper who lived in the era of white gloves and no blue jeans!)
🤔 Common Sense (Nana Style)
What’s common sense to Nana might not be for everyone, but here’s a thought: If something doesn’t sit right (like food that makes your tummy bloat), why keep it around? Unless you enjoy the pain… but I doubt that’s the case. Let’s keep it simple, sensible, and stylish!
💌 Rules, Regulations, and Respect
My mom was all about rules, regulations, and respect, and those lessons stuck with me. Back in the day, we had Erma Bombeck and Ann Landers answering all sorts of questions in the newspaper. Their golden rule?
🔑 There are no bad questions—only unasked ones.
So, here’s your chance to ask Nana anything! Whether it’s about napkins, manners, or life’s little quirks, I’m here to help.
📧 Submit Your Questions to:
👉 SuccessCoachJan@gmail.com
🌟 Let’s Keep It Classy, Together
Table manners might seem small, but they’re part of the bigger picture—showing respect for others (and yourself). Now go out there and dine with confidence! 🍽️