Have you ever made a good dinner, laid a pretty table, and then put out paper napkins? It just feels wrong. Or perhaps you are fed up with spending money and generating garbage when you buy paper napkins every week.
And if this is familiar, then you are in the right place. Replacing paper napkins with fabric napkins is a wonderful improvement. But here’s the main thing: What material works best? What size do you need? How does one select a fashion that one will adore?
The following guide will assist you in selecting the most suitable cloth napkins to use in your house and make each meal special.
Key Takeaways
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Cloth napkins are cost-effective in the long run as compared to paper.
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Select cotton to use daily, linen to use during special events or blends to use without any problem.
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Choose a size depending on what you are eating.
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Dark colors conceal the stains better and these are the best in families.
Why Switch to Cloth Napkins?
Before we go into details, we should discuss why this is a good idea. The idea is that using fabric napkins is not only about looking nice, but it is a small sacrifice that would bring huge returns.
Each year, an average American consumes thousands of disposable napkins. That would be a waste of about a single home. The best cloth napkins for a sustainable lifestyle would mean:
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Less garbage: You will not dispose of something after every meal.
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Cost-saving: Once you purchase them, you will no longer spend on paper products.
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Fancier food: Even a mere dinner is special when there are fabric napkins.
Reusable has been found to be better than paper in cost and environmental impact.
Step 1: Select Your Fabric
Choosing the right fabric is one of the most important points in table napkins. Here are the best options:
Cotton: The Barefoot Boss
Cotton is a traditional option and it makes sense.
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What is good: Cotton produces high absorption napkins, which are soft, strong, and easy to wash. The majority of the stains are removed during normal washing.
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What is not so good: It can wrinkle upon washing, particularly with a hundred percent cotton.
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Best for: Everyday family dinners and informal events. A cotton printed napkin is a colorful addition to your table.
Linen: The Elegant Option
Linen napkins are used to create a loose but elegant appearance on your table, with natural texture.
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What is good: Linen is tougher than cotton and softens and becomes more absorbent during the washing process. The texture is the most absorbent and does not feel damp.
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What is not so good: It wrinkles (so many people like this appearance). It costs more upfront.
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Best for: You are having a special dinner, holiday, or want to make the table look extra nice. A cotton linen napkin is the best of the two.
Polyester Blends: The Low-Care Choice
Most napkins are combined with cotton and polyester to make life easier.
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What is good: They do not wrinkle very much, are very long-lasting, and are cheaper. A Polycotton cloth napkin or a Cotton blend cloth napkin is ideal when you cannot stand ironing.
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What is not so good: They do not absorb the spills as well as pure cotton or linen.
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Best for: When there are large parties, there are kids or there is an easy-to-care person. These are usually the most affordable cloth napkins.
In a Nutshell: Advantages of Cotton over Linen
Absorption: They both do a good job, although linen has more moisture.
Softness: Cotton starts soft. Linen may become very soft with time.
Strength: Linen lasts longer than cotton ones.
Attention: Cotton remains harder. Linen is wrinkled in nature.
Step 2: Choose the Right Size
The appropriate napkins count. You do not need to eat a sloppy dinner with small napkins or have a snack with huge napkins.
Simple Size Guide
Small (10" x 10"): Ideal for serving drinks and small snacks.
Medium (12" to 16): The perfect all-day meal such as breakfast and lunch.
Large (18" to 22): What is the most suitable size during dinner parties? This one! They are used to cover your lap when you have a large meal and do fancy folding.
Step 3: Discover Your Style
This is the fun part! You have your napkins to tell the story of your home.
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Color: White goes with almost everything. Dark colors hide stains. Bright colors add fun.
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Pattern or Plain: Plain napkins are safe and can be used in various ways. Cotton printed cloth napkins display your fashion or follow holidays.
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Feel: This weave has various feels - smooth weaves look more formal, while textured weaves feel more casual.
The Art of Buying the Right Napkins
You are able to make a great choice now that you have all this information.
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To Everyday Use: Cotton or cotton blends are durable and absorbent cloth napkins. In case of a large number, these napkins get you money.
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For Hosting Parties: To entertain guests, make the dinner napkins large. Linen or 100% cotton napkins are good choices.
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On a Budget: You do not have to spend too much! Most of the cheap cloth napkins are effective, particularly the cotton blends. It is easy to buy cloth napkins that will not drain your pockets.
When you buy napkins online, it is easy to have a choice of everything. You are able to compare materials, check sizes and read reviews at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I wash cloth table napkins?
The vast majority of cotton and blend napkins may be put in regular laundry. In the case of linen, wash in cool water in the gentle cycle. Wash stains in advance, do not use fabric softener.
2. What's the best way to fold a napkin?
For everyday use, a simple rectangle or triangle fold is perfect. For special occasions, you can find hundreds of easy tutorials online for more creative folds.
3. Will cloth table napkins hold onto germs more than paper ones?
Not if you wash them properly. Washing your napkins in a regular wash cycle with detergent is very effective at removing germs and bacteria.
4. How many cloth napkins should I buy?
Get 2-3 times the number of your usual dinner guests. A family of four needs 8-12 napkins.
5. How can I store my fabric napkins when I'm not using them?
You can store them folded flat in a drawer, rolled up in a basket on a shelf, or you can even use napkin rings to keep them tidy and ready for your next meal.
Conclusion
Use of reusable napkins is one of the easiest ways of making your meals to feel special and also not harming the planet. With the consideration of material, size, and style that fits your life, you will come across napkins that you will keep on using daily.
Ready to upgrade your table? Ruvanti’s bulk cloth napkins are available in quality and style in every price range. Our napkins are durable and can be used to take your culinary and dining a higher level.
Find the ideal set at your table today at Ruvanti!
