The meal begins when the host unfolds his or her napkin. This is your signal to do the same. Place your napkin on your lap , completely unfolded if it is a small luncheon napkin or in half, lengthwise, if it is a large dinner napkin. Typically, you want to put your napkin on your lap soon after sitting down at the table (but follow your host's lead). The napkin remains on your lap throughout the entire meal and should be used to gently blot your mouth when needed. If you need to leave the table during the meal , place your napkin on your chair as a signal to your server that you will be returning. the host will signal the end of the meal by placing his or her napkin on the table. Once the meal is over, you too should place your napkin neatly on the table to the right of your dinner plate. (Do not fold your napkin, but don't wad it up,either