Examples from literature

• A doily goes under the finger bowl, and a fruit knife and fork on either side. 
• If the dessert is fruit, a fruit napkin may be used in place of the doily, the real purpose of which is to prevent the bowl from sliding about the plate in moving it. 
• Now, don't wipe your mouth with the doily! 
• The pretty present-day fashion of using individual plate doilies on a polished table at breakfast and luncheon is also labor-saving. 
• The tray should be covered with a napkin or doily.