Hi, My name is XXXXX XXXXX X am your Etiquette Expert.

Thank-you for your question. When sitting at the lunch or dinner table your napkin should be unfolded and placed across your upper leg and knees. When your have finished eating or wish to get up from the table the napkin should be folded (does not have to be precisely folded) and placed to the left hand side of your place setting when sitting at the table. This will indicate to the host that you have finished, or getting up from the table.

If you are in a restaurant then when you place the folded napkin to your left on the table when getting up don't be surprised if your waiter takes your napkin and replaces it with a fresh one which you would use.

I hope this answer helps you understand the aspects of etiquette regarding your napkin. As you say there are so many other dining and table manner related etiquette topics to consider.

Good luck with this. If you have any related follow up questions I would be happy to answer them for you.