The Napkin is usually small, folded and placed to the left of the place setting, outside the outermost fork. Alternatively, it can be folded into ellaborate shapes and placed on an empty plate or as place holder between the knife & fork.

Though there has been disrepute about the difference between a napkin and a serviette, it is commonly accepted that a Napkin is made of Linen, while a Serviette is made of Paper.

The word 'Napkin' comes from the French word 'nappe' meaning a covering of cloth for a table, adding the diminutive suffix -kin, then referring to a small cloth, used at a table for wiping the mouth while eating. Some are of meaning that the origin of Napkin derives from the Latin word 'mappa', referring to the small piece of cloth, previous to the idea of a hankerchief, that the Roman Emporer would throw into a stadium to signal the Start of the Games.

The word 'Serviette' ultimately derives from the Latin 'servus', meaning 'to serve', and may have acquired its meaning because of its purpose - to mop up spills or to wipe the hands, as was performed by Roman Slaves & British Servants.

Serviettes can be held together by a Napkin Holder, either close to the plates at a Buffet or on each individual set Table. The Napkin Ring was originally used to identify the napkins of a household between weekly washdays. In the 1800's, the Dinner Table became the center of social events and ultimately where a family exhibited its wealth to Guests. The Silver Napkin Ring (usually plated), was the result of growing wealth of the middleclass, as the quality & quantity of a family's Table Silver was a direct measure of its success. Napkin Rings were also made from bone, wood, pearl embroidery, porcelain & glass and remains a notable feature at any Table Setting.

Be creative and use chicken mesh, bent into a shape of choice, and place different shades of serviettes in patterns to create a striking Feature. Individual serviettes can be held together by a Serviette Ring made with beads, paper, ribbon, string or can be part of a small figure or sculpture. Use a keyring in a Plaster of Paris shape, paint it in relevant colours and create your own unique Serviette Decoration..

Did you Know?
Great inventions and ideas are stereotypically first conceived on a paper napkin, usually because an idea might have sprung up during a dinner and the only paper available is the serviette. Therefor, the Back of a Napkin often refers to an informal & quick way of doing something.

Love Letters, telephone numbers and many memories have been captured on paper serviettes!