What Should Happen to the Napkin After Dinner – and Other Table Manners We Forgot

What should happen to the napkin after dinner certainly isn't one of the most critical issues facing our nation today, but when it comes to table manners it apparently  is a question that needs to be answered.

A man recently wrote to Dear Abby to pose the question. Apparently his son and his wife believe it is proper etiquette to toss your used napkin on top of your empty,  dirty plate at the end of the meal. This, they believe, indicates the meal was great. Abby sets the record straight by stating a napkin should be placed on the table beside the plate, not on the plate.

Whew! Got that one cleared up. But, while we are on the subject of table manners, we all could probably use a refresher course, thanks to Emily Post.

From the Emily Post top 10 table manners, we share our top five.

1) Chew with your mouth closed (We think this seems obvious, but apparently is isn't.)
2) Avoid slurping, smacking, blowing your nose, and other disgusting noises (Remember you aren't a hog feeding at a pig trough, where gross noises are perfectly acceptable - and expected.)
3) Don't pick your teeth at the table (In fact, don't do this anywhere in public - unless you have a piece of stringy roast beef stuck between your two front teeth - and even then please be discreet and go to the restroom)
4) Remember to use your napkin at all times (Uh, that's what it's for. Save your finger licking for the privacy of your own home.)
5) Wait until you are done chewing before taking a drink.(Think about it.....yes, it's a good idea!)

There are more great dining tips where these came from on the Emily Post website. Good manners are always in style.