What is the purpose of placing a beverage napkin on the table?

Placing a beverage napkin on the table primarily serves the purpose of signaling to management that the table has been attended. This method is an effective way for servers and management to visually assess the status of the tables in a dining area. When a beverage napkin is present, it indicates that a guest has been served and is engaged in their meal or beverages, which helps in managing table turnover and ensuring that service is provided efficiently.

In this context, the other options, while they may have some relevance in dining practices, do not align with the specific purpose of a beverage napkin placement. For instance, keeping the table clean can be achieved through various means, and serving drinks typically involves using glassware or other dedicated serving items. Similarly, providing a resting place for utensils is usually managed through different table settings or provided items, not specifically a beverage napkin. Therefore, the correct answer captures the unique function of the beverage napkin in the service context.