Napkin Can Be Folded on Lap

Dear Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee,

My friends and I were dining in a restaurant where the waiter placed the napkin on our laps. My friends think that it should be left the way the waiter placed it, which was half folded. However, I think that one should re-arrange it to lie flat and fully open covering one's lap to catch any food that drops. What do you think?

Signed,

Curious

Dear Curious,

If it was a large napkin, then it should be left folded in half. A small luncheon napkin can be fully opened.

If eating properly, food should not be dropping onto one's lap. Napkins are really meant to dab crumbs or food from the mouth.