Napkins

I start off with napkins simply because they are everywhere we go and there’s a reason.

(This guy caught my attention…any you know why. Well done!)

When eating—I don’t care where you are… at home, at a friend’s, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, the Costco food court, Olive Garden, or at a 5 star restaurant. ALWAYS, put your napkin in your lap. It makes no difference if it is paper or cloth. The minute you sit, open the napkin and place it in your lap. Trust me, after a few times it will become second nature.

*Unless you’re in Italy NEVER tuck it in you’re the collar of your shirt!

SHOW OFF: If you must leave— to go to the bathroom, answer your phone, or simply get away from the annoying people at the table, when you stand up place your napkin in your seat. Make sure you don’t sit on it when you return to the table.

Funny True Story: About a week ago, when out to dinner with friends, I told their son, who is about ten, to put his napkin in his lap. This is how it went…

“Why don’t you put your napkin in your lap,” I suggested.

“Why?” The boy asked without being rude.

“Because it shows good manners and it will also keep your lap clean.”

The boy smiled and set his napkin his lap.

Fast forward about 30 minutes into the meal. The boy tried to balance a huge lump of mashed potatoes on his fork, before it reached his mouth half of it fell into his lap.

The boy looked over at me very excited and said, “Look my napkin caught all of it. Sweet!”

Voilà…this my friends is why we use napkins.