Napkins serves several functions during a meal. Napkins are used to clean spills and napkins are used to define a formality of a table setting. The size of the napkin will tell you the appropriate setting for the meal and how much fabric will cover the persons laps when they are eating.
The correct napkin size must be selected for the type of meal being served. The smallest napkins is cocktail napkins used for drinks and small appetizers. Cocktail napkins can be used to wrap a chilled glass or dab at food.
How to Choose and Use Napkins
The next size up from cocktail napkins are beverage napkins used for serving coffee. The size of the beverage napkin allow it to fit under a mug. Luncheon napkins are one size larger than beverage napkins and is used for brunches while being made of cotton to hold a crisp fold.
Dinner napkins are of the standard size for everyday meals and has enough fabric to cover a person’s lap and silverware. The largest napkins are buffet and formal napkins used for standing crowds and very large formal meals, respectively. The size of a napkin can affect how a person feel about the meal that is being served.
Small napkins can give the sensation of a disposable meal while large napkins make the meal feel formal. It is important that the size of the napkin matches the size of the plate so that the napkin does not bunch up on the persons lap. For large napkins, a fabric that is heavier in weight will be better since it will not sag on the person while they are eating.
For small napkins, a light weight in fabric will be better so that it does not weigh to much on the person. The way that a napkin is folded can change the appearance of the table and serve some function during the meal. Napkins can be folded into a square for those who are just beginning to fold their napkins into more complex shapes such as a triangle to hold their silverware.
More advanced eater may fold their napkins into a bishops hat or a lotus shape that requires a heavy, crisp napkin. Before folding a napkin into any serving, steam the napkin as this will make it easier to fold and it will hold its shape. Many people will find themselves forgetting to steam their napkin before the meal.
To properly steam the napkin, use a warm iron and a damp cloth to press the napkin so that the edges remain sharp and define. The placement of a napkin can change the formality of the meal. A napkin can be placed on a charger for a casual meal setting.
However, a napkin can be tucked into a goblet for a formal meal. A napkin can be placed to the left of the fork for a European style meal. However, a napkin can be tucked under the silverware at a buffet.
Additionally, a napkin ring can be used to change the look of a napkin. A brass ring can be used for formal events while a jute twine napkin ring can be used for a casual meal. The weight of the fabric for a napkin can change the function of the napkin.
Light cotton can be used for daily meals. Linen is a better fabric for napkins if a billowy drape is preferred. Additionally, damask is a fabric with a specific pattern that can be used for napkins.
The edge of the napkin can also change the formality of the meal. Hemstitched edges are formal while a fringed edge indicate a casual meal. The color of the napkin can affect the formality of the meal.
Neutral colors are used to hide stains on the napkin while bright colors such as mustard are used in a neutral setting for contrast. The number of napkins needed can be planned in advance. For a seated meal, 1.5 napkin should be provided per seat.
Additionally, more napkins will be needed for a cocktail event than for a seated dinner. This is due to the fact that guests will use more napkins during a cocktail event. All napkins should be washed in warm water.
Additionally, napkins should be steamed using high heat. If a napkin has a stain, it should be blotted instead of rubbed to avoid spreading the stain. There are rules to follow when using a napkin during a meal.
Prior to the meal, guests should wait for the host to place their napkin on the table. After the host has placed the napkin on the table, guests will place half of the napkin on their lap with the crease facing up. During the meal, guests should dab the corners of their mouths with their napkin instead of rubbing their mouth against the napkin.
After the meal is finished, guests should leave their napkin loosely to the left of their plates. Additionally, once a napkin has been used during the meal, it should not be refold.
