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?

Yes lap always. Not everyone has manners though.

Yes. But honestly I could do with a bib, sometimes. Always dropping things on the boob shelf.

Where else?!

I chuck mine on the floor straightaway.

It saves time as when it was on my lap it always seemed to slide off onto the floor.

I had considered sewing velcro to all my clothes to prevent this but I fear that I might end up with a yowling cat stuck to me, so haven't pursued that idea for the moment.

What an odd observation.

Anyway, perhaps it has less to do with class, and more to do with not wanting gravy all over their expensively-clad thighs.

I never dine anywhere fancy so am quite happy to be common and tuck in in my top. Though usually I’d just keep it on the table.

I can feel the collective shudder from you all. Have a wee sit down with a cuppa to get over the shock.

Yes - where else would you put it?

How very MN of some pps to say it’s a class thing! That would never in a million years have occurred to me. Is there anything that some MNers won’t relate to class?

It depends. If I'm given a large linen or linen feel napkin, yes I'd put it on my lap. Not if it's a little paper one folded with the cutlery.

Generally, no although I was taught to do it.
I just don't see the need now as I don't ever spill food on my lap, so I now use it to wipe my hands if needed.

I shove it down my shirt only removing it to belch into as one must remember ones manners

Yes. Slightly baffled by the thread, tbh. Though it can be a pain if I’m wearing slippery clothes.

I didnt imagine people were tucking it into their collar!
I also didnt associate it with class, it was just an observation. People I dine with are using them, not their sleeves, but just keep them sort of scrunched beside their plates.
I asked dh, who is from.the uk and he said "no, british people were taught how to eat and not get shit all over themselves"
It isnt something I could ask at work (work dinners) so asked here.

Nah unless at a v nice restaurant. Then if you’re going to the loo or something you leave it unfolded on the table and the wait staff come and fold it for you :) But went to an causal italian on Fri and most napkins weren’t on laps. I don’t really think about it.

On my lap, unless white shirt and tomato based spaghetti, then in the collar.

I'm not upper class and I put it on my lap.

Always on my lap. Have only every eaten out with friends/family/colleagues who all put napkins (if given them) on their lap.

actually one notable exception - father in law. Never have to launder his napkin when he comes around for a meal, he just leaves it in the napkin ring. But then he doesn’t say please or thank you and thinks manners are a middle class affectation so he probably thinks napkins are an affectation too - I will have to ask!

Yes, always.
I prefer not to use my clothes to catch drops of soup or salad dressing.

So glad this thread is about napkins not serviettes……… Nancy would be turning in her grave.🙂

Yes, always. And I would silently judge those who chose not to 🙈

slight off topic but on the napkin theme- I’ve noticed so often that at buffets where paper plates are stacked with a napkin on each one, most people seem to think the napkin is some sort of plate liner and put their food on top of it as opposed to removing it and using it as a napkin!

Always. And like a PP, I use one for every meal (not breakfast unless cooked) eaten at a the table (home or restaurants).

And we each have our own silver napkin ring that gets used every day.

No. I just leave it on the table.

No, it feels a bit weird. I just try not to drop food into my lap.

Yes, I am ridiculously clumsy so pretty essential. If I'm at home, and eating messy/dark coloured food and light coloured clothing I'll go the whole hog and tuck it in, but no one needs to see that in a restaurant.