The Napkin Tale
The napkin is placed on your lap before the meal. It serves the purpose of smothering your lips. But you must also keep in mind that the napkin must not be dirtied.
If the napkin happens to fall on the floor, the formal settings prevent you from picking it up yourself. You must inform those serving and ask for a fresh napkin.
Once the meal is completed, place the napkin loosely beside your plate. Make sure you do not crumple or fold it.
Last, but not the least, once you have enjoyed the meal and returned home, make sure you thank the hosts for having invited you.
As you can see, the general guidelines of American eating etiquette are not very different from any table manners across the world; it is just the handling of the cutlery that makes American table etiquette unique. Practice the above guidelines for a smart impression on the American table.