Employ proper etiquette when using a napkin at a restaurant or someone’s home. This will help you avoid embarrassment, and set a good example for others who may not understand proper etiquette.

After sitting down at a dinner party or restaurant, place the napkin in your lap. It should remain there throughout the meal.

If you must leave the table in the middle of dinner, do not place the napkin on a chair. Instead, simply set it to the left of your plate.

Do not use the napkin to crudely scrub your mouth; rather, gently dab the napkin on your lips to remove any excess food.

When dinner is finished, place the napkin on the table, again, to the left of your plate. There is no need to re-fold or crumple it. (One exception: when attending a dinner at someone else’s home, wait until the host places his napkin on his lap, as this signals the beginning of the meal. After eating, the host will put his napkin back on the table as a sign the meal has concluded.)