What should you do with your napkin if you leave the table before finishing your meal?

When you leave the table before finishing your meal, the proper etiquette is to place your napkin on your chair. This signals to the staff and other guests that you are not finished with your meal and intend to return. It is a courteous way to indicate that your seat is still occupied, preventing the possibility of your place being cleared while you are away.

Leaving the napkin on the table or taking it with you can imply that your meal is complete, which might confuse the servers or other diners about your status at the table. Folding the napkin and setting it down has similar implications as placing it on the table, suggesting that you are finished. By choosing to place the napkin on your chair, you communicate your ongoing participation in the meal while maintaining proper dining etiquette.