About Napkins

Napkins are handy little things. They serve an essential function during mealtime, but they have plenty of other functions too. If you are at all curious about napkins, here are some interesting facts and considerations to think about as you choose your napkins.

Types

The vast majority of napkins are made of paper with a consistency not unlike that of a paper towel, but different paper napkins have different absorption qualities and different levels of attractiveness. Papers napkins can range from the thin and rough things they hand you by the stack in the fast food drive-thru, to delightful red cloths at high-end restaurants that you might mistake for being made of cotton. The difference is that cloth napkins can be washed and reused, whereas paper napkins are thrown away after one use.

Size

Most paper napkins are squares with sides between 4 or 5 inches long, but they are much larger if they are folded out. The average paper napkin has multiple layers folded together, or consists of one very large, thin layer that is folded into fourths. Cloth napkins are usually much larger--about the size of a dish rag or dish towel.

Function

The most obvious use of napkins is for hygiene during meal times. Most people keep a napkin handy in order to quickly and discreetly wipe their faces and hands if food is smeared during the meal, and many people also keep a napkin in their laps or with one corner tucked into their shirts in order to protect clothing during meals. But napkins can have other uses too. For example, if you are eating with children and a child spills a drink on the table, it helps to have a stack of napkins handy to try to wipe up the mess. In addition, if you have a cold, napkins can serve as makeshift tissues if you don't have tissues nearby. They can also be something to spit gum into when finished chewing it, or even to doodle on while you're eating.

Features

Paper napkins most commonly come in plain white color, although they can come in other colors as well. Designer napkins often come in bright shades of orange with a felt-like texture. Napkins in fast food restaurants may have logos printed on them or different textures in the paper. Cloth napkins can have different consistencies, colors and thicknesses as well. The fanciest of cloth napkins may include embroidery or lace edging for a more attractive appearance.

Warning

One consideration with paper napkins, since they are made from trees, is their impact on the environment. Like with other types of paper, napkins should be used conservatively. Don't chuck entire stacks of unused napkins in the trash when you're finished with your meal in a restaurant. Instead, put the extra napkins back or save them for future use.