DEAR MISS MANNERS: Can you please advise me on how to politely deal with heavy condensation dripping from water glasses, wine goblets, cocktail glasses, etc., at outdoor restaurants when coasters are not provided?

Does one hold one’s napkin under the goblet while sipping? Let it drip to the floor before drinking? Drip on your attire? Or (shudder) decant the julep into a portable container? Nothing seems correct.

GENTLE READER: Cloth napkins are non-negotiable. Paper will disintegrate.

If those are not provided, ask. Then Miss Manners suggests you hold it discreetly over the bottom of the glass or goblet stem so that the condensation falls on it — and not on your clothing or shoes.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at missmanners.com, by email to [email protected], or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.