Guides and Tips
When setting the table, does the napkin go on the left or the right? Here’s everything you need to know for the perfect table setting!
How many times have you set the table only to pause and wonder: does the napkin go on the left or the right of the plate? You might be surprised to learn that this isn’t just a minor detail; there are different schools of thought!
This article explores the most common traditions and trends, what etiquette dictates, and your options for creating the perfect table setting.
The napkin placement may seem like a small detail, but it can make all the difference! Do you wanna create a polished and professional-looking table setting? The key is maintaining a sense of balance between the plates, glasses, silverware, and napkins, ensuring that everything looks harmonious and well-organized.
Here’s rule number one: the napkin should be stylish and practical. What does that mean? It should be easy to reach and simple to use, so never place it underneath the silverware! If you do, your guests must move their fork and knife to get to it, disrupting the arrangement you carefully put together. It seems counterproductive, doesn’t it? But don’t worry; it’s a common mistake we’ve all made at some point.
Remember, aesthetics should always go hand in hand with functionality. Of course, you can fold the napkins nicely as long as they remain accessible and easy to use for your guests.
If you want to follow traditional table manners, place the napkin to the left of the plate. This way, guests can effortlessly grab it without interfering with the rest of the table setting.
However, this isn’t an absolute rule! This method, known as “English table setting” is one of the most common, but there are variations. Some people place the napkin slightly under the plate or next to the forks, while others prefer to use decorative elements like ribbons or napkin rings to enhance the aesthetic appeal.
Attention: according to silverware placement etiquette, there is a specific order to follow. Forks always go to the left of the plate, while knives and spoons are placed on the right. The silverware is arranged in the order they will be used, starting from the outside. This means that the traditionally positioned napkin should be placed to the left of the forks.
Of course, you can play with colors and materials to match the napkin to the rest of the table decor. Whether you coordinate it with a floral centerpiece, a table runner, or charger plates, the important thing is that the overall look feels elegant and well-balanced.
You were mistaken if you thought placing the napkin on the right was incorrect. The French table setting calls for the napkin to be placed on the right of the plate. The reason? A practical one: most people eat and cut with their right hand, so having the napkin within easy reach might be more intuitive.
While the silverware placement remains the same, French etiquette also includes a distinctive detail: the fork tines are traditionally placed facing downward. This is because the back of the silverware was often engraved with a noble crest, a symbol of prestige and refinement.
Even in this case, nothing stops you from creating napkin decorations if you want to add a touch of creativity, as long as they don’t hinder movement or disrupt the overall harmony.
How can you innovatively set the table? Is it possible to bring some modernity to the table without completely upending tradition? Yes, you don’t have to follow tradition strictly; nowadays, etiquette is more of a guideline than a rigid rulebook.
One increasingly popular trend is placing the napkin in the center of the plate. This works well if you enjoy experimenting with decorative folds, such as heart napkin folds or tree shapes. These folds add a stylish and personalized touch to the table.
However, there’s still one golden rule: symmetry. Whatever arrangement you choose, it should be visually pleasing and practical. If you want to master the art of napkin folding, don’t worry; follow our guide on how to fold napkins. It’s easier than it looks!
A well-set mise en place follows a cohesive theme in color and style. The napkin should complement the rest of the setup, seamlessly blending into the overall aesthetic.
The napkin placement depends on the table setting style you’re following:
Napkin etiquette is all about subtle, polite gestures that show good manners at the table.
If we have to sum it up in one golden rule, it would be this: the napkin should always be used with elegance and discretion.
Folding a napkin can be as simple or as fancy as you like! Follow our guides to follow napkins in elegant folds that add a decorative flair. Experiment with different folds and see what works best for your table setup.
Once you’ve finished eating, the proper way to leave your napkin is neatly folded (but not too precisely) and placed to the left of your plate. This signals that you’re done with your meal. Just a soft fold and a casual placement on the left.
A few things not to do:
Don’t refold it perfectly; this can confuse the server and make them think it’s unused.
