Do you place your napkin on your lap?

[WhatNextNowForDS]

Just that.
Been out for a few meals this year and it seems I am uncommon in this, although it was always what i was taught. (Overseas)

Is it not a done thing in the uk?

I don't but I know people who do.

Well yes, not sure where else I would put it ?

I do, DH does, my parents do.
DD has used a napkin since tiny, now 14, keeps it folded on the table, always has (always uses it though).

Yes, I place it on my lap. I am a bit confused by the question. Where do you see people placing their napkins?

I believe its a class thing, upper middle class people are more likely to put it on their laps. I have observed this rather than read or heard it, so I'm interested to see if anyone else thinks the same.

Weeknight dinner at home, no. Dinner at home with guests, yes. At a restaurant, yes.

Of course!

Pop it onto your lap, or fold and back on the table when leaving / between courses.

I’ve only ever seen posh people do this in old movies. What’s the purpose of it? In case you drop food over your legs?

This.

Yep

Well yes. I don't stuff it in my collar

My mum has a wee chain thing to make it into a neckerchief though

I am a woman and this is what I do, but in reality I should tuck it into my clothing under my chin but above my chest area as that is where most food spillages land.
Placing the napkin on the lap is perhaps more suited to men, as there are no protuberances to catch spills on the way down. (Although it must be said the male necktie also seems to attract a fair amount of detritus.)

I don't know if I just fidget bit when I put it on my lap, it always ends up on the floor multiple times.

On my lap, and if in a restaurant, to my left of the plate when I’m done to signal to waiting staff I’ve finished. Where else would a napkin be placed? Surely not on the chest!

Always.

Yes (after first making a napkin chicken obvs)

Where else do you put it?

Yes I always do, I'm in U.K.

No. I’ve tried before but it just ends up on the floor. But I think this is another short person problem because my legs don’t sit flat when I’m in a chair as I struggle to reach the floor (if that makes sense?). And I’m such a liability with food I should tuck it under my collar like a bib (I don’t do this but I wish is was socially acceptable to 😂)

Most of my spillages are mouth-adjacent so I have it on my lap but still folded, rather than unfurled.

I was at some quite upscale restaurants over the course of my holiday this week and was watching what other people did because I wasn't totally sure I was doing it right.
Lap placement was definitely favoured in Germany, Belgium and in London.

Mr Creosote:

Always on your lap. Always!
A well trained waiter will always pick up the napkin as he seats you and place it across your lap. A small courtesy which is a nice touch when dining out.

We use linen napkins at home too, every single meal.

I can’t eat anything without something to wipe my mouth or fingers on. Just can’t.

I feel embarrassed having to ask for kitchen roll or a paper serviette when I eat at others’ houses if my host/ess doesn’t provide anything. Ugh!

Interesting - I was out with 5 people and I key two of us did it. Agree it's a bit of a class /etiquette thing. It's a bit of an unwritten rule like what drinks to have when. DH doesn't use them nor have any idea that gin and tonic is an aperitif.

But looks like lots of people are aware of it judging by the comments on this thread

I'd always have them if people were coming for dinner and on the table but so many people don't use them.

The best ones are the bibs when you eat lobster!

Of course!

If in doubt... debretts.com/a-practical-guide-to-table-manners/