DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have noticed a problem at quite a few restaurants I’ve frequented — that their napkins seemingly come exclusively wrapped around silverware.

So when I ask for an additional napkin or a replacement — due to it being used to clean my hands or the table, etc. — I am inevitably given a napkin with a new silverware set, which means I have additional flatware at what are sometimes small tables.

Is there a polite way to ask for a napkin by itself? Or return the additional silverware that is unneeded?

GENTLE READER: There are polite ways to do both.

“Could I please have another napkin?” repeating, “Just the napkin is fine,” if necessary. But if that too gets ignored, Miss Manners thinks it is fine to return the silverware saying, “These are clean, I just needed the napkin, thanks” — although a reputable restaurant will wash them again anyway.

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.