Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Business Etiquette Practice Test

Does your napkin stay in your lap throughout the entire meal?

1. No, it should be on the table

2. No, it should be on your plate

3. Yes, it remains in your lap

4. No, it should be in your hand

The correct answer is: Yes, it remains in your lap

During a meal, proper etiquette dictates that the napkin should indeed remain in your lap throughout the entire meal. This practice serves several purposes: it keeps your attire clean by providing a convenient place to wipe your mouth or hands without drawing attention or disruption to the table setting. Keeping the napkin in your lap also demonstrates mindfulness and respect for dining customs, allowing the focus to remain on the meal and the company rather than on unnecessary movements. When the napkin is in your lap, it is easily accessible for use but also discreetly placed to maintain the table’s aesthetic and contribute to a polished dining atmosphere. In contrast, having the napkin on the table can give the impression of haste or informality, while placing it on the plate may signal that you have finished eating, which is not appropriate until the end of the meal. Similarly, holding the napkin in your hand could distract from the dining experience and create an informal setting, which is not appropriate in many dining contexts.