The tradition of offering a black napkin dates back all the way to 1985, when Danny Meyer — Shake Shack founder and author of "Setting the Table" — opened up Union Square Café in New York City.

Lunch is always a colorful affair when Nina Levy prepares it.The Brooklyn, N.Y., artist and mom of two spends part of each night transforming simple white paper napkins into whimsical, vibrant ...