Napkins are a staple of every meal. They are your way of keeping clean and presentable in front of other diners. With so many napkin choices today, how can you possibly choose which type is right for you?
To start, think about the occasion. If you’re hosting a family-friendly picnic at a park you might not want the burden of extra things to bring home and launder. You’ll also likely need a lot more napkins since picnic food tends to be messier and sometimes eaten on the move. In this case disposable napkins might be your best choice. However, if you’re hosting an elegant dinner party for couple on Valentine’s Day you’ll want a more upscale look and feel. Since you’ll only have a few guests and are hosting the party at home, cloth napkins fit the bill.
Next, consider your personal values and desires. If you feel strongly about helping the environment, you might look at the difference in impact of using cloth versus paper.
As you decide whether or not to use cloth napkins, consider their pros and cons.
Pros:
- Many napkin folds work best with cloth napkins because they’ve got the size and weight to hold the shape
- Potentially lower cost due to longevity in repeated use
- Easy to care for and store when you purchase cotton or polyester fabrics
- Fit many themes from rustic to black tie depending on color
- Large surface area to clean up big messes
- Feel soft and comfortable against your skin
Cons:
- May require ironing before use and for napkin folds
- Some fabrics aren’t easy to launder
- Take up extra space when used for out-of-the-home events
- High quality products can be expensive
- Certain fabrics may not be very absorbent for liquid spills
Cloth napkins are not the best choice for every lifestyle or every occasion, but they do fit in nicely with a variety of events and meals. When possible, request a sample before making a purchase to ensure the napkins meet your needs. If you can’t get a sample, see if a friend or family member has some you can test out before buying.