Napkin

A napkin, serviette or face towelette is a rectangle of cloth used at the table for wiping the mouth and fingers while eating. It is usually small and folded, sometimes in intricate designs and shapes. The word comes from Middle English, borrowing the French nappe—a cloth covering for a table—and adding -kin, the diminutive suffix.

Terminology

"Serviette" can be heard in the United Kingdom, Ireland, some parts of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. In Australia and New Zealand, "serviette" generally refers to the paper variety and "napkin" refers to the cloth variety. The same distinction was used in Canada until the very early 1980s, but nowadays "serviette" is rarely used.

In the UK, "napkins" are traditionally U and serviette non-U.

Description and history

Conventionally, the napkin is often folded and placed to the left of the place setting, outside the outermost fork. In a restaurant setting or a caterer's hall, it may be folded into more elaborate shapes and displayed on the empty plate. Origami techniques can be used to create a three-dimensional design. A napkin may also be held together in a bundle with cutlery by a napkin ring. Alternatively, paper napkins may be contained with a napkin holder.

Napkin (disambiguation)

A napkin or serviette is a rectangle of cloth or paper used for wiping the mouth or fingers while eating.

Napkin may also refer to: