Where to place your handbag at a restaurant

winter outfit ideas

Where do I place my handbag at a restaurant?

Have you ever asked yourself this question? Do you constantly wonder where a good spot for your bag is when you go out to eat? Do you cringe at the thought of placing your bag on the floor? Well, stop wondering, and start reading!

One of the trickiest things we all face when we sit down at a restaurant is where to place our handbag. Sometimes we get lucky, and there is an extra chair at the table where all the ladies can place their handbags, and other times, we are left utterly confused.

Thankfully, there is etiquette in place for this very problem! There are three acceptable places to place a handbag while dining out at a restaurant.

1. Place your bag under your napkin.

where to place your handbag at a restaurant

If your bag is small to medium in size, you should place it on your lap, and put your napkin over it. This is the safest place to put your handbag at a restaurant. No-one can grab it, since it is covered on your lap. Genius!

2. Place your bag on the chair behind you.

where to place your handbag at a restaurant

If your bag does not fit underneath your napkin, or you find it uncomfortable, you can safely place your bag behind your back, on your chair. If you have a coat, jacket, or wrap which was not checked in at the coat check, you can sit on it and have it cover your bag behind you.

3. If you are sitting at a booth, place your bag next to you.

where to put your handbag when sitting at a booth

Lucky you! Your party got a booth! The booth is the most coveted spot in the restaurant, and you snagged it! Not only are you very comfortable, but you can safely place your handbag on the seat next to your hip. Love that!

Where to place a tote bag at a restaurant.

OK, I don’t have a picture for this one. Always carry the smallest bag possible when eating out, but if you must bring a diaper bag, shopping tote, laptop case, or other large bag, you should also bring a napkin or plastic bag for it. First, find a spot on the floor next to you, by your feet. Then place the napkin or plastic bag on the floor. After you have safely placed the napkin or bag on the floor, you can safely place your large bag or tote on top of it. This is the only acceptable time for using the floor to store your bag while dining out.

Handbag don’ts at a restaurant

  1. Do not place your handbag on the floor unless it is a large bag or tote. See above.
  2. Do not drape your handbag on the back of your chair. Not only could it easily be stolen, it can get in the way of your server who is trying to balance food, drinks, and other items.
  3. Do not place your handbag on the table. It’s gauche. It is also a good way to get food on your bag. Plus, your bag could get in your way, or the way of other people sitting at your table. Just don’t do it, no matter how small or precious it is.
  4. Do not ask another person at your table to put your bag on their lap or chair. Take care of your own bag!
  5. Do not check in your bag at the coat check. This is a great way to get pick-pocketed.

There you have it! Tips on where to place your handbag at a restaurant. Now you won’t have to wonder where to put your handbag at a restaurant when you eat out! Love that!

Great bags for dining out:

Thanks for stopping by, and have a fabulous time eating out

XOXO
Cathy

Quicksilver Trail in San Jose

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wearing: silver hoops / tee shirt / backpack / sweatshirt / spring nail polish / jeans / hiking boots /

Quicksilver Trail is a popular hiking trail in the southern part of San Jose. It’s an interesting trail because it goes through the old and historic Quicksilver Mines; which are a big part of San Jose history. There are several mines in the area dating back to the gold rush; some of which were still in operation in the early 1900’s. This trail is a fun way to share and learn about our local history, while getting a great outdoor workout.

The Quicksilver Trails are steep. I would not recommend bringing a small child or stroller on these trails. They go up in elevation quickly, so it is a good idea to be old enough to handle the pitch of the trail; and to also be fit enough to tackle the terrain. It is a great workout, and worth the effort. The views at the top of the various trails are outstanding.

In case you are wondering what Quicksilver is, it is actually mercury. It was used during the gold rush as a reduction agent for gold and silver; before the industry switched to cyanide.  Quicksilver from San Jose was an important product during the gold rush, and essential in helping the area grow. It’s fun to hike through the old mines, and share this history with your kids. My kids enjoy the trails, and they always find it fun when we come across an old building or mine shaft. I recommend staying out of any mine remnants. It is not safe to climb into old buildings and mines.

There are several entrances to the Quicksilver Trails. Our favorite is on Whispering Pines Drive between Whitbourne Drive and Pierce Ranch Road. There is plenty of parking on the street across from the homes in the area. This is a neighborhood filled with homes and children, please respect the neighbors by driving slowly, not blocking driveways or mailboxes, and keeping noise to a minimum. During peak season such as weekends and summer, I recommend going before 10am. It gets crowded.

Shop my hiking outfit:

This is an incredible hike! I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I do!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

quicksilver trail san joseview quicksilver trail san jose

Classic black and white for winter

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wearing: large gold hoops / lipstick / white knit turtleneck / black belt / spring nail polish / black handbag / black and white pleated skirt / knee high suede boots /

Let’s face it, white is not a slimming color. That being said, I love how this white knit turtleneck looks with my black and white pleated skirt. So, when my daughter asked for a trip to the American Girl Store to purchase the new girl of the year book (she loves their books), I decided to try and make this white turtleneck not make me too huge. haha

Black and white is classic and chic. So it is always satisfying to put together an outfit, which is black and white, and not boring. While this knit turtleneck is ribbed, and slightly body conscious, it is a little loose; perhaps I could have sized down? It needed a little something to elevate it; the top could not be worn alone. I have to say, the easiest way to elevate a plain top or turtleneck, without using a topper, is with a belt. There is something about belting loose clothing; whether it be a top or dress, which makes an entire look appear structured and put together. Love that!

I wear this belt all the time with my jeans, this was the first time I used it to belt an article of clothing without belt loops. It worked out really well. The belt took the frump out of the loose turtleneck, and pulled the black and white outfit together. It was perfect for browsing at Stanford Shopping Center, and bringing my daughter to the American Girl store for the book.

These pieces are part of my winter capsule wardrobe. If you have not read it yet, please check it out! It’s handy to have a few pieces each season which can be mixed and matched to create a large number of outfits. It saves money, and time. Stay tuned for more capsule wardrobes this year!

These boots are comfortable for walking too! Love!

Shop my winter black and white outfit online:

Do you ever belt an article of clothing to make it appear more structured?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

winter outfit ideas