Should a napkin be on the right or left of your plate?

The napkin can go under the fork on the left or the plate, or folded in the center of the dinner plate.

The napkin can also be:

Before a sit down meal.

- artfully folded and placed above the dinner/luncheon plate.

- artfully folded and tucked into a wine glass.

- artfully folded and placed in the center of the dinner/luncheon plate.

- rectangularly folded and placed, short side up, under the fork(s) -dinner/salad

- rectangularly folded and place, short side up, in the center of the dinner plate

- triangularly folded and place across the bread plate.

- folded or gathered through a napkin ring (informal/family style meal)

Before a buffet meal.

- artfully folded into "pockets" with flatware in them

- folded and stacked on the buffet table (near the flatware)

During a meal, when seated

- unfolded and placed across the lap

- NEVER tucked into the neck/collar

During a meal when you must leave your seat but plan to return.

- on your chair seat

- NOT refolded or bunched on the table

After a meal, when you leave the table

- placed neatly next to your plate or place setting if the dishes have been removed.