serviette

1887, “A Member of the Aristocracy”, Manners and Rules of Good Society; Or Solecisms to Be Avoided, 1999 facsimile edition, Angus&Robertson, page 116, She should unfold her serviette and place it on her lap. It is immaterial whether she places the bread on the right or left-hand side of the cover when taking it from the serviette. A gentleman should do the same with his serviette and bread, placing the one across his knees, and the other at his right or left hand.

1914, Arnold Bennett, The Price of Love, 2005, Echo Library, page 40, And then, when the meal finally did begin Mrs. Maldon′s serviette and silver serviette-ring had vanished.

• To provide the guest with a means of wiping his/her hands and mouth, and • To make the restaurant look attractive.

2006, K.E. Silva, A Simple Distance, Akashic Books, US, page 90, I told them to put the paper serviettes out on the table, and look, they′ve put out the cloth napkins! Here, take these back to the kitchen and bring me the stack of paper serviettes.