Etiquette Question

[NYboy]

When eating out, when do you place napkin in lap? When you first sit down or when 1st coarse is served?

 

[Camelot Farms]

I place mine after I have ordered but before the 1st course arrives.

 

[carolinagirl58]

I place it in my lap before the meal arrives. And I set my flatware on the bread plate instead of the table because the table is NOT clean, it's been wiped down with the same dirty rag they wipe the chairs down with.

 

[AllTheseCreatures]

As soon as everyone is seated. In a group setting, you wait until the host/hostess (or guest of honor) has unfolded theirs. In a very nice restaurant this will be done for you.

 

[Royd]

How do you get your head into your lap, to wipe your mouth?....Just kidding.

 

[Carols Clucks]

Quote:
Sheesh don't ya know, everyone leans to the lap to their right and uses that napkin

 

[WriterofWords]

When your food arrives, there is no need for it before that. If you have appetizers, when you start eating them.

ETA: I should note here; traditional etiquette would call for it as soon as you sat down because of the many courses of the meal. Most times now you only have appetizers or a salad and then a meal and dessert, not 6 or 7 courses that started as soon as you sat at the table.

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

If you need it in your lap, scoot closer to the table!

 

[EweSheep]

Quote:
just before I get my drinks.

 

[desertdarlene]

I used to do it as soon as I sat down because that's how I was raised (if it matters, my dad is English). Now, I do it when I need it, that is when the food arrives.