Napkin Etiquette

Napkin Etiquette

Placing the Napkin in Your Lap. Wait for the host or hostess to take his or her napkin off the table and place it in his or her lap. (An exception to this rule is buffet-style meals, where you should unfold your napkin when you start eating)

Unfolding the Napkin. Unfold your napkin in one smooth motion without "snapping" or "shaking" it open.

The size determines how you unfold a napkin in your lap.

Large napkins provided at more formal dinners, are unfolded halfway.Smaller napkins are unfolded completely and cover the lap fully.

Tucking the Napkin. Don't tuck a napkin into your collar, between the buttons of your shirt, or in your belt.

When messy finger food is served before tucking the napkin under the chin or tying it around the neck, look to the host to see if he does the same.

Using the Napkin. Use your napkin frequently during the meal to blot or pat, not wipe, your lips. Blot your lips before taking a drink of your beverage-especially if you're a woman wearing lipstick.

Napkin Rings. If a napkin ring is present, after removing your napkin, place the ring to the top-left of the setting. At the end of the meal, grasp the napkin in the center, pull it through the ring, and lay it on the table with the point facing the center of the table.

Temporarily Leaving the Table. When leaving the table temporarily, put your napkin on your chair. If the chair is upholstered, place the napkin soiled side up.

Placing the Napkin at the End of the Meal. At the meal's end:

The napkin is loosely folded at the end of the meal.If a plate is in the center of your place setting, when leaving the table lay the napkin to the left of the plate.If the center of your place setting is empty, the napkin is laid in the middle of the place setting.Leave your napkin in loose folds that keep soiled parts hidden.If after-dinner coffee is served at the table, the napkin remains in the lap.

The proper way to drink wine

Enjoy responsibly

MWK Productions

An old Garner Senior High classmate recently asked questions about wine etiquette such as the proper way to hold the glass and red vs. white wines. Some people would answer the question “what is the proper way to drink wine?” with the response: "uncork, pour then pick your favorite chair on the deck and let the relaxation begin". While that is a great answer, there are some proper rules to follow with some interesting reasons. So let’s learn how to drink wine!

How to hold the glass

Think about this: when you hold a glass bowl of ice cream in your hand, the temperature of your hand will cause the ice cream to get warmer. The same is true if you hold the globe of the wine glass. The temperature of your hand would warm chilled wines faster and warm room temperature wines as well. The “proper” way to hold the glass is by the stem with your index finger and thumb.

Smell then taste or taste then smell? And where does swirling the wine fit in?

After the wine is uncorked, let it breath for about an hour. Once you glass is poured, do a small swirl of wine then take a deep sniff of the wine. Your smell will determine your perception of the taste and it is an important part of enjoying you glass. Next, take a small sip and let the wine linger in your mouth before you swallow. You want to take in all the flavors that the wine has to offer. Now that you have fully prepared your brain and mouth for your beverage, you are free to indulge in your glass.

Red vs. white

This one really boils down to your preference. White wines are traditionally chilled and served with a lighter meal such as fish or chicken. Red wines are typically room temperature and served with heavier meals such as beef or pasta. Dessert wines, regardless of color, are chilled. While it’s nice to have these suggestions, you may enjoy whatever wine you like with whatever meal you prefer.

Respect others

Some religions do not condone drinking alcohol of any kind. Don’t tease a friend or tempt them to try any if they prefer to sip on juice or ginger ale. That’s just not cool.If there is a friend in your circle of friends or a family member is a recovering alcoholic, please grant them the upmost respect and consideration. One sip for an alcoholic can reopen a door to absolute disaster. This is a line they don’t want to cross and you do not want to be responsible for encouraging them to cross.Do not drive, even small distances, if alcohol has given you a warm fussing feeling. That feeling means it is time to put away your keys.Please do not give your underage kids permission to drink at home. This tells your kids that’s it’s okay to break the law.