However, Alphonse Karr, a 19th century French journalist and novelist,  said "Le nombre treize à table n’est malheureux que lorsqu’il n’y a à manger que pour douze". (13 at the table is only unlucky when there's only enough food for 12)

At the Savoy in London, the problem is solved  by Kaspar the cat, a statue who occupies the 14th chair, a napkin tied round his neck.

Le vendredi 13