Paper and cloth napkins are not really rivals. They are useful in different situations, and plenty of good tables use both depending on the occasion.

When cloth napkins make sense

Cloth can be a good choice for formal meals, repeated everyday use and occasions where you specifically want the texture and drape of linen or cotton. They can be washed and reused, but they also need laundering, ironing or folding and storage.

When paper napkins make sense

Paper is convenient for spontaneous entertaining, larger groups, drinks, messy food and tables where you want to change colour or pattern frequently. There is no laundry afterwards, and individual designs can add visual interest without buying another set of permanent table linen.

Quality makes a difference

Not all paper napkins feel the same. Ply, dimensions and print all affect how substantial a napkin feels on the table. WOLDS full-size napkins are premium 3-ply and measure 40 × 33 cm unfolded, with 24 napkins in each pack. Our smaller format is explained in cocktail napkins vs dinner napkins.

Think about the occasion rather than the rule

Use cloth when cloth makes the meal better. Use paper when paper makes hosting easier or gives the table more personality. There is no need for every dinner to follow the same formula.

See the full range of WOLDS premium paper napkins, browse dinner-party designs, or explore cocktail napkins for drinks and canapés.