The napkin is a timeless accessory that can dress up and enhance a dining table as a whole. It is obviously more practical than decorative. For everyday use or for a special event, the choice is not always an easy one. Whether you prefer paper or fabric models, find the best napkins by reading our guide.
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Our selection
"This set of paper napkins will enhance your table decoration. It has almost the same qualities as the cloth napkins. The solid color is suitable…"
"This set of 32 paper napkins is for a little boy's baptism, confirmation or communion. Excellent, they are as hygienic as they are easy to…"
"Worthy of the finest gourmet restaurants, these Treb Horecalinnen TH4040w napkins take advantage of their design material. They are soft, comfortable and ultra absorbent."
"This pack of 4 Filu napkins deserves your full attention. Besides its 100% cotton composition and large size, the Filu 4-Pack is also available in…"
This set of paper napkins will enhance your table decoration. It has almost the same qualities as the cloth napkins. The solid color is suitable for all occasions.
15,99 £ on AmazonThe GRUBly Premium Airlaid shines by its versatility. It can be used in various fields, whatever the event and the universe in which you work (restaurant owner, caterer...). Despite its turquoise color, this model is adorned with attractive patterns that will catch the eyes of your guests. The Airlaid technology guarantees an excellent absorption capacity in case your glasses or bottles are spilled on the table. It is also very resistant to tearing.
These napkins have been designed with a non-fibrous Airlaid material that makes them softer and compatible with all skin types. In addition, they are very flexible thanks to their composition with cellulose pulp.
This set of 32 paper napkins is for a little boy's baptism, confirmation or communion. Excellent, they are as hygienic as they are easy to use.
10,14 £ on AmazonThe O-Kinee Turquoise Blue gives you the convenience of paper and the quality of cloth napkins. Disposable after use, this napkin requires no cleaning, washing or ironing. It is available in 2 versions (for girls or for boys). You will get a set of 32 napkins with a fish pattern and the silver glittering words "Schön, dass du da bist!
When unfolded, the turquoise blue O-Kinee napkin measures 33 x 33 cm. It can be used for various special occasions such as communion, baptism or confirmation. Even though it is quite small compared to a cloth napkin, it has a pleasant feel and a remarkable absorbent property.
Worthy of the finest gourmet restaurants, these Treb Horecalinnen TH4040w napkins take advantage of their design material. They are soft, comfortable and ultra absorbent.
63,99 £ on AmazonYou think you can't get your napkins out in pristine white except on special occasions? Not at all! They can be used every day and add style to your table decor. The Treb Horecalinnen TH4040w is made entirely of cotton, ideal for both lunch and dinner. Moreover, it is thick enough and its size of 40 x 40 cm allows a beautiful folding.
These napkins combine perfectly with various colors so that you can create a friendly and colorful atmosphere. They give you the opportunity to be more inventive about the style of decoration to adopt. Available in 100 pieces, you will never run out of napkins.
This pack of 4 Filu napkins deserves your full attention. Besides its 100% cotton composition and large size, the Filu 4-Pack is also available in other colors.
11,92 £ on AmazonFilu napkins are sold in packs of 4. They come in 9 colors and 2 distinct patterns: stripes or checks. If your choice depends on the season of the year, darker colors are best for winter. On the other hand, bright colors such as orange are best suited for the summer period. Those who are imaginative will choose to double them in order to give a better presence to their table.
Made of 100% cotton, Filu napkins absorb moisture efficiently while remaining soft to the touch. They are suitable for a variety of occasions: business dinners, special events, banquets or family meals. Their 45 x 45 cm size ensures easy folding.
Any specific needs?
Large variety of colors to choose from
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE LINE | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
8/10 |
7/10 |
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| OUR SELECTION |
GRUBly Premium Airlaid
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O-Kinee turquoise blue
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Treb Horecalinnen TH4040w
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Filu - Pack of 4
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This set of paper napkins will enhance your table decoration. It has almost the same qualities as the cloth napkins. The solid color is suitable for all occasions.
|
This set of 32 paper napkins is for a little boy's baptism, confirmation or communion. Excellent, they are as hygienic as they are easy to use.
|
Worthy of the finest gourmet restaurants, these Treb Horecalinnen TH4040w napkins take advantage of their design material. They are soft, comfortable and ultra absorbent.
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This pack of 4 Filu napkins deserves your full attention. Besides its 100% cotton composition and large size, the Filu 4-Pack is also available in other colors.
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Dimensions
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40 x 40 cm
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33 x 33 cm
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40 x 40 cm
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45 x 45 cm
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Material
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Paper
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Paper
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100% cotton
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100% cotton
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Weight
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540 g
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200 g
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-
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299 g
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Number of napkins
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50
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32
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100
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4
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Number of colors available
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11
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2
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1
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9
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The manufacturers use 2 main types of materials during the manufacture of a napkin namely:
The best napkin should be of medium thickness, made of soft, silky and lint-free fabric or paper.
If you are hosting a big dinner party and gather all your loved ones at one table or a seafood meal, prefer white napkins and tablecloths that match perfectly with your white tableware. You don't have to go all out for a meal with friends or family. In this case, simply use colorful patterns that match your placemats, plates and tablecloth.
On the other hand, paper napkins are best suited for holiday parties, weddings, birthdays and any other occasional celebration. Don't hesitate to play with colors by choosing a specific theme and folding your napkins like origami.
A napkin measures on average 40 x 40 cm, but it can be smaller (33 x 33 cm) or larger (beyond 50 cm). Neither too thick like a curtain nor too thin like a handkerchief, the ideal weight for a napkin is between 130 to 170 g/m², or about 145 g/m². If you prefer a lighter range, a 125 g/m² washed cotton seems perfect. Linen is a great alternative for those who love elegance, chic and refinement.
The practicality of a napkin translates into its ease of use and/or cleaning. If it's made of fabric, make sure it can withstand frequent washing, heavy use and high temperatures. Thick fabric napkins maximize the efficiency of folding. They are rigid enough to hold up better.
When it comes to table setting, you should focus on color to create a beautiful harmony. In this sense, nothing prevents you from choosing colorful napkins that will go very well with your tablecloth, your table runner and your dishes. A combination of solid colors is also an interesting option if you like to add a lively touch to your table. Patterned napkins will easily find their place on special occasions. On the other hand, monochromatic decorations are best for more ceremonial situations.
Obviously, a wedding banquet will not be the same as a birthday party. Whatever the size and color of the napkin, it must conform to the type of event you are planning to organize. So here are some tips on appropriate napkin designs depending on how formal the celebration is:
It goes without saying that the cloth napkin is much more chic, elegant, soft and comfortable than the paper model. Today's textile industries are constantly innovating and offer an infinite number of models, textures, colors and patterns so that you can get quality towels at competitive prices.
The napkin, often designed with natural fiber of animal origin (silk) or vegetable (cotton, linen ...), is naturally resistant, durable and environmentally friendly. It can be reused over and over again, or even recycled.
The paper napkin is single use. Once you're done using it, you have to throw it away immediately. This is what gives it its hygienic character. It adorns both kitchens and dining tables. Made in most cases with cellulose wadding, a material known for its pleasant touch, or wood pulp fibers, it has a surprising capacity of absorption, resistance and practicality.
To ensure that the overlapping sheets do not separate, the napkin is usually embossed all over or only around the edges. The manufacturing process of this type of model requires chemicals that are often released into the atmosphere. In addition, the daily use of paper napkins is not very recommended since it may generate waste that is harmful to the environment.
The napkin, made of natural fabric or synthetic fiber, can be folded in different ways and can even be a decorative element for your dining table. These 2 types of napkins are opposed in many characteristics despite the fact that they are all made from fabric. Do you have a preference? Find out when to use one or the other.
Natural fiber is obtained by following a procedure of physical or mechanical transformation of a natural material without changing its composition. Several types of textile materials are used in the manufacture of natural cloth napkins, including linen (marking the beginning of the use of the fiber by humanity), but also cotton and hemp. Natural materials are characterized by their noble, elegant and pleasant to the touch features.
Just like the field of ready-to-wear, you can now find napkins composed of a mixture of several synthetic fibers mainly from organic polymers such as polyamide, polyester, aramid and polyurethane ... Easy to clean, it allows more fantasy while showing great practicality. The synthetic material, like polyester which is the most requested, has the ability to undergo an anti-stain treatment.
The napkin made of natural material is undeniably elegant. It is sure to bring nothing but chic to your events, but above all, it is the essential element that will perfect the setting of your table. It is highly recommended for christenings, weddings, family celebrations... On the other hand, the synthetic fiber napkin is easier to clean. In addition to being super absorbent, not prone to wrinkling and resistant to stains, it is very practical for daily use or during outdoor activities.
Fold the napkin according to the event
Formal meals require a simple, yet elegant folding technique. Square, triangle and rectangular formats are best. Artful figures are reserved for special occasions (Christmas, family celebrations, etc.).
Place your napkin properly
At the table, take your napkin, unfold it slightly so that you don't wave it in front of the people sitting next to you, and place it on your lap. For larger models, fold it in half and lay it lengthwise.
The napkin is not a bib
Unless you're a child trapped in an adult's body, know that the napkin should never be tied like a bib. This technique only applies to people with special needs.
Gently lay down your napkin before leaving the table
In the event that the meal is not yet over, but you need to leave the table, simply place your napkin (crumple it up a bit) on the right side of your plate.
Wipe your hands or mouth discreetly
Certainly, the napkin is essential for wiping your hands or lips. But these gestures should be done discreetly and naturally without disturbing your table neighbors.
The most common sizes for napkins are 40 x 40 cm and 50 x 50 cm. However, the size is chosen according to the occasion. For a formal meal, the napkin should be large enough. On the contrary, small napkins are suitable for cocktails, aperitifs...
It is customary to place the napkin next to the plate or on top. On the other hand, we do not recommend putting it in the glass or the cup. For those with designs or logos, fold them so that they are clearly visible.
Whether it's still clean or already in use, sharing the napkin is not well regarded. No matter the event or the type of design, it should be individual. That's why a napkin is placed for each place setting.
The napkin, whether cloth or paper, finds its place on the right side of the plate when you leave the table. If it has been stained during the meal, the best way to hide it will be to hide the dirty part by crumpling it slightly.
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