Dining out is not just about the food but also about connecting with those you are dining with and appreciating the dining experience and establishment. One often confusing detail in restaurant etiquette is where to place your handbag. Whether you’re at a casual café or an upscale restaurant, knowing what to do with your purse ensures your handbag complements the occasion. 

The ideal spot for a handbag is not on a table. Only items that are needed for a meal, like plates, cutlery, glasses, and napkins, and decor, like candles, flowers, and other centerpieces, belong there.

Where To Place Your Bag

Finding the right spot for your handbag depends on its size and the dining setup. Here are some foolproof options:

Large Handbags or Totes: Use a handbag hook if one is available, or bring your own purse hanger for convenience. If this isn’t an option, place the bag on an empty chair next to you. If needed, place it on the floor beside your chair, ensuring it doesn’t block walkways.

Small Handbags or Clutches: Place your clutch on your lap, concealed under a folded napkin, or tuck it discreetly behind you on your chair. 

In a perfect world, restaurants would offer stands, stools, or hooks to safely hold bags during a meal, but when that’s not an option, putting a bag in your lap under your napkin or beside or behind you on your chair are options, too. Depending on the setting, you might consider hanging your bag on the back of your chair, too.

Why Not Place Your Bag On The Floor?

Placing your handbag on the floor might seem harmless, but it’s best avoided for several reasons. First, restaurant floors can be dirty, potentially transferring grime onto your bag. Second, in many cultures, putting your purse on the floor is seen as disrespectful to your belongings. Finally, it’s simply less convenient to reach down for your bag when you need something.

Daytime vs. Evening Handbags

Different occasions call for different handbags, and their etiquette varies as well:

• Daytime Handbags: These are typically larger and more practical, designed to hold essentials like your wallet, keys, and phone. When dining, ensure they are placed thoughtfully—on another chair or hung using a purse hook are great options. Since they are larger, you can also consider hanging it on the back of your chair. 

• Evening Handbags: Evening clutches are often smaller, making them easier to manage. Place them on your lap under your napkin during the meal or keep them behind you on your chair. Avoid placing them on the floor to prevent damage or loss.

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