Dinner Napkin

The dinner napkin is a fabric square used at meals for wiping hands and mouth, protecting clothing from spills, and serving as a key decorative element of the place setting. Standard dinner napkins measure 18 to 22 inches square, larger than luncheon or cocktail napkins, providing ample coverage when placed across the lap. The quality, fold, and presentation of dinner napkins communicate the level of care invested in the dining experience. Napkin presentation has evolved into an art form, with dozens of folding techniques ranging from simple rectangles to elaborate sculptural forms like bishops hats, fans, and roses. For formal dining, napkins are traditionally placed on the charger plate or to the left of the forks, while casual settings allow more creative placements. The tactile quality of a well-chosen napkin adds to the overall sensory experience of dining, with heavy linen providing a satisfying weight and cotton offering a soft, absorbent touch.