How to beautifully set a table with napkins and observe etiquette

One accessory, such as a handbag or hat, can instantly change your entire look. In the same way, you can transform an everyday table into a festive treat using the most ordinary napkins. Even if the menu still includes cutlets with mashed potatoes. Details should not be underestimated, because they are the ones who emphasize the style and create a special mood. They must be chosen wisely, used with imagination, knowledge of the peculiarities of etiquette and serving rules.

Table decor for a boy's birthday in a nautical style

What is a textile napkin

They are divided into two types, based on their purpose. Place napkins are those that are laid on the table personally for each guest and on which the table setting is organized. But the most common second option is table napkins, which need to be placed on your knees and wipe your hands. These are the ones we will talk about. Moreover, you will learn three ways to fold textile napkins: the simplest, but most effective and meeting the main requirements of etiquette.

The best manufacturers

Serving napkins can be purchased individually or as a whole set.

You can buy coasters for the kitchen in a specialized store or in places where they sell dishes.

Many companies, in addition to producing cutlery, also produce hot mats.

• For example, the Chinese company Royal Aurel is famous for its porcelain; the company follows traditions that have been observed for 15 centuries. But not everyone knows that the manufacturer also offers serving napkins. Unfortunately, they do not come in a set with the purchased service, but they can be purchased separately.

• The famous Polish company Cmielow produces porcelain tableware and accessories. Accessories include napkins made of various materials.

• Another Chinese company, Lefard, makes dishes from ceramics and porcelain, and also has a special section for accessories for dishes. In this section you can find serving napkins, as well as rings for them.

Where did the napkin come from on the tables?

During the Middle Ages, such an attribute of a feast as napkins had not yet been invented, and to wipe their hands from grease, people used the tablecloth itself. Only noble guests were given a bowl of water and lemon, which has disinfectant properties, to rinse their fingers in. Napkins came into widespread use only in the 16th century. At first, napkins were placed on the shoulder, on the arm, or used as a bib, which was attached to the vest with silver hooks or tied at the back of the neck. Gradually the napkins “moved” to my lap. In the 17th century, when women's skirts became fuller, the size of napkins increased to 90-115 cm. With the advent of new cutlery, the size of the napkin also changed. So, as soon as the use of a fork came into practice (and this happened only in the middle of the 18th century), participants in the meal became more careful and napkins decreased in size.

Rating of high-quality substitute napkins up to 10,000 rubles

Powermonkec 26683509

This popular set consists of 4 stylish coasters that are suitable for both everyday use and holiday table setting. Wear-resistant polyvinyl chloride is used for production. Color: natural leather. To avoid mistakes when choosing, you should pay attention to the fact that the designs are double-sided. For subsequent care, it is recommended to use a damp sponge or cloth. Declared dimensions: 450x300 mm.

The average price of a new product is 8,566 rubles.

set of napkins Powermonkec 26683509

Advantages:

• wear-resistant coating;
• standard sizes;
• equipment;
• ease of aftercare;
• manufacturer's warranty.

Flaws:

• high price.

Family values ​​36549493

This set consists of four napkins, which are classified as double-sided. One side is terracotta in color while the other is blue-green. Cute fish are used as decorative elements. Linen (57%) and cotton (43%) are used to make these serving napkins. A great way not only to add variety to your everyday environment, but also to set a festive table. For subsequent care, it is recommended to use a washing machine. The material does not fade, however, it should be washed at a temperature of 30-40°C. Declared dimensions: 350x450 mm. Amalfi will be a wonderful gift for a loved one. Supplied in branded packaging that can be used as a gift.

Purchase price – 7511 rubles.

set of napkins Family values ​​36549493

Advantages:

• product from a time-tested domestic manufacturer;
• colorful style;
• gift wrap;
• double sided;
• natural composition.

Flaws:

• no significant ones.

Michel Design Works 6189529

This stylish set includes four cotton napkins. Such products will look great both on the festive table and in everyday settings. A floral print is used as a decorative element. The product looks stylish and beautiful. The manufacturer allows machine washing, which will make subsequent care of the devices easier. You can also iron the fabric if necessary. Supplied in a plastic bag. Weight – 190 g. Dimensions: 508x355 mm. Made in Turkey.

Average price – 4600 rubles.

napkin set Michel Design Works 6189529

Advantages:

• quality of tailoring;
• natural material;
• does not shed;
• juicy and bright drawing;
• Machine washable.

Flaws:

• no significant ones.

Powermonkec 26683879

This cute set will appeal to every housewife, without exception, largely due to its natural composition and stylish design. Oxford fabric is used for sewing. The delivery set includes 4 products measuring 320x460 mm. The devices can be used both for everyday serving and for arranging a festive table. The material can be washed, but ironing is not recommended. Sublimation printing is used to apply the table setting. The manufacturer offers a wide range of colors, which will allow you to choose the best option for each occasion.

Cost – 4117 rub.

set of napkins Powermonkec 26683879

Advantages:

• wear-resistant coating;
• bright and rich ornament;
• ease of aftercare;
• wide range of ready-made solutions;
• manufacturer's warranty.

Flaws:

• no significant ones.

Modern textile napkins: materials and sizes, style and color

According to the canons of classic table etiquette, for a banquet, lunch or dinner, table textiles should be made from natural white linen. But modern table etiquette allows us to deviate from this rule, and now there is a huge variety of mixed fabrics for table linen: beautiful, expressive, and most importantly, more practical to use (for example, Teflon-coated fabrics that are not afraid of fat, wine and coffee ). For informal dining, white table linens can easily be replaced with beige or another neutral shade. And if you want to create a certain mood at the table or maintain the style of the interior, then etiquette allows for colored or even combined tablecloth and napkins: the fabric can be checkered or striped, with a floral or any other interesting print. Choose according to your taste! A very convenient and win-win option is the use of companion fabrics, when one of the elements of table linen (tablecloth or napkins) uses a fabric with a multi-colored pattern, and the other uses a plain fabric that repeats one of the colors of the print; or two prints are combined (for example, flowers and stripes) with a choice of the same color palette.

The dimensions of a modern table napkin are approximately 40x40 cm (from 36 to 46 cm), a tea napkin is smaller in size - approximately 30x30 cm (from 25 to 35 cm).

In the modern world, textile napkins are a mandatory attribute of table setting, so every housewife should take care of their availability.

Posting rules

There should be paper and fabric napkins on the table. A textile product can very quickly become stained with grease, and it will simply be unpleasant for guests to use it. A paper copy, in turn, will not be able to protect clothes from contamination. Therefore, you should prefer to have two categories of napkins when serving.

Thus, when arranging plates, the following nuances should be taken into account:

1. If the dish is served in portions, then a textile napkin can be placed between the fork and knife.
2. A separate glass or wine glass is allowed, in which a figurine made from a fabric napkin is placed.
3. Paper products must be placed in a special stand - a napkin holder. Calculating 2-3 pieces per guest.
4. You can place a separate textile napkin under the plates - a very convenient and beautiful option.

Place a cloth napkin between the fork and knife

Place paper products in a napkin holder

You can place a separate textile napkin under the plates

Fabric napkins come in tea and table varieties. They differ in size and purpose. Teahouses have dimensions of 35 x 35 cm, they are used for setting the table for tea drinking. Dining rooms, measuring 46 x 46 cm, can be used for any feast.

Tea napkins

Dining rooms

Why do we need textile napkins if we have paper ones?

People first learned about paper napkins in 1867, when their first batch was produced at a paper mill in England. The guests really liked this serving attribute, and since then their production on an industrial scale began. Paper napkins have a number of advantages: they perfectly absorb moisture, and most importantly, there is no need for washing, which every housewife will certainly appreciate. But can they completely replace textile ones?

Linen napkins are an essential attribute of any feast; their main purpose is the comfort of guests and the safety of their costumes. However, paper napkins must be present on the table in sufficient quantities.

The main task of a textile napkin is to protect the guest’s outfit; it should be laid on your knees. A linen napkin is also used when your fingers are a little dirty. What to do if your hands are very dirty, and what to use during a runny nose? Paper napkins will save you; this is exactly what they were created for.

How to choose plate linings

Among the existing variety, choosing the best stands for a service is not easy. Every housewife strives for placements to harmonize with the overall surroundings, complement and introduce new unusual colors.

You need to choose such products carefully.

There are rules that greatly simplify the search.

Attention! It is unacceptable for the backing to be simpler in shape and dull in color, since such a rug will not look elegant.

The diameter should be chosen so that the napkin protrudes from under the edges of the dishes by at least 2.5 cm. It is best that the backings for the plates on the table are made of the same material as the service. If you have white dishes, black coasters are ideal. If you are not sure, opt for placemats made of metal with gold plated on it. Such decorative elements will fit perfectly into any interior design style.

For a light and comfortable environment, use woven napkins.

How to use textile napkins

All the guests, including the hosts, took their places and the meal began. The hostess is the first to start the feast - she unfolds her napkin, then the guests follow her example.

• take a textile napkin from the table and unfold it;
• fold it in half and place it on your knees with the fold facing you;
• during the feast, wipe slightly dirty fingers with the top edge of the napkin, without removing it from your knees;
• leave a napkin on your chair if you need to go out;
• if you get up from the table at the end of dinner, then place the napkin to the left of the plate. There is no need to fold it again: grab the middle of the napkin so that all the folds come together and place it on the table. When the hostess does the same with her napkin, consider that lunch is over.

Selection of fabric for making napkins

Material

The material for making napkins should be dense but light, easy to wash and retain its original shape.

Traditionally, for sewing table linen :

• cotton;
• linen;
• satin

Cotton are best suited for everyday , as they do not stain and retain their shape quite well. The option made of linen and satin looks more festive, but at the same time there will be much more hassle with washing and starching such decorative elements .

Colors

Conventionally the color palettes used in the manufacture of napkins can be divided into several groups:

• pastel colors;
• golden and silver colors;
• rich noble colors (purple, emerald, indigo, etc.);
• classic colors (white, pearl).

The choice of colors depends solely on your desire, but the napkins should be in harmony with the tablecloth and the overall decor of the room , both in color and texture. Harmony means not only complete matching of colors, but also a successful contrast or mix.

Choosing the shade of napkins if you are matching them to the tablecloth is quite easy. To do this, you need to take into account the density of the material. If the napkins are inferior in density, they should be a couple of tones darker. If the material of the decorative elements and the tablecloth is the same in structure, feel free to choose napkins of the same color as the tablecloth.
Important! Cotton fabrics should be washed before cutting, as they shrink strongly and the finished product may lose its appearance after the first wash.

If you want to learn how to make a kitchen table, we recommend reading the article:

Three ways to fold napkins

When we come to a restaurant, we often see napkins rolled into the shape of a Crown, French Lily, Bishop's Miter or other unusual shape. The art of folding napkins came to us from the 17th century. At the French court there were special people who folded napkins for the royal table and did it simply masterfully, but using such a napkin for its intended purpose was prohibited, as it was considered a violation of the rules of etiquette. During the Victorian era, views on table manners changed somewhat - people began to think more about hygiene. Imagine how many times you will have to touch the napkin during the folding process, and, moreover, what a crumpled appearance it will have, having been in the shape of a Fan or Artichoke! It is unlikely that any of the guests will want to wipe their hands or lips with such a napkin.

Complex folding options faded into the background and were replaced by simpler ones. Modern etiquette follows the same rules for folding napkins: minimum touching and minimum folding.

They are absolutely universal:

• they meet the requirements of modern table etiquette: a minimum of touching and bending;
• very simple: any housewife can easily master them and will spend no more than five minutes on serving, which means that the woman will have additional time to relax - this is priceless;
• spectacular and suitable for different serving styles.

When choosing a method for folding napkins, you need to take into account the occasion of the meal itself. For a formal feast, napkins with lace or the fan-fold option are certainly not suitable. But to create a warm spring mood, this is what you need.

"Petals"

The “Petals” method of folding napkins will come in handy - an ideal option for an informal, cozy atmosphere, which goes well with floral textile prints and floral decor on the table.

1. Unfold the napkin and place it on the table with the wrong side up.

2. Take the upper left corner and pull it to the opposite corner, folding the napkin in half, forming a triangle.

3. Pull the upper corner of the resulting triangle towards the left corner, but do not connect them to each other.

4. Repeat the action: fold the right edge to the left, without closing the corners of the napkin.

5. The napkin is ready! We place it on a substitution plate with the petals to the right, and place a snack plate on top. We complement the table setting with cutlery and glasses.

Napkin rings

Nowadays, napkin rings are used as a decorative element for serving. But there were times when rings served another function: they guaranteed ownership of a dirty napkin.

Historical background: Since table linen was rarely washed, textile napkins were used repeatedly. The rings served as an identification mark so that the guest could be sure that he received exactly his dirty napkin.

Rings are made from different materials: silver, wood, fabric, etc. But even in the absence of serving rings, you can easily improvise, for example, replace them with ribbon.

There are many ways to put a napkin into a ring: you can gather the napkin into unusual folds, fold it into a fan, or simply roll it into a tube, choose any one to suit your taste! Let's look at the simplest option:

1. Unfold the napkin and place it on the table inside out.

2. Take the napkin by the middle with your hand and shake it to form loose folds.

3. Place the middle of the napkin into the ring and straighten the folds. Ready!

It is convenient to place the napkin placed in the ring directly on the plate. Firstly, it will save space on the table and free up space for dishes. And secondly, the napkin on the plate will hint to the guest that he will not be able to start the meal until he spreads the napkin on his lap.

Cutlery envelope “Stripes”

A napkin envelope is a great option for formal formal dinners. Although, if you dilute the table setting with delicate decor or flowers, this method of folding napkins will also be appropriate for an informal dinner with close people.

1. Place the napkin folded in four on the table so that the four free corners are at the top right.

2. Take the top free corner and fold it diagonally inward, as shown in the photo. Align the fold.

3. Fold the next layer of fabric inward as well, but not so deeply that a strip is formed.

4. Do the same with another layer of fabric. Now you have three identical strips, align them. You can make one, two or three stripes - your choice.

5. Fold the right and left sides of the napkin to form a rectangle with three stripes running diagonally.

The resulting “pockets” are very convenient for storing cutlery, thereby saving space on the table. In addition, you can put a note, flowers, a gift or even a small bun there.

A beautifully folded napkin will decorate your table. The napkin can be given a variety of shapes: from simple traditional to more intricate. Please note that starched napkins are much easier to fold. But always remember that textile napkins are an essential element of table setting; you cannot do without them by giving preference to paper napkins.

Don't neglect the rules of etiquette. Show respect to your guests by worrying about their appearance, then they will appreciate your concern and thank you in return for your warm welcome!

Decoration options

To impress your guests, napkins can be used to make incredible decorations. Textiles will need to be starched and ironed first. Paper ones are originally placed in napkin holders.

Paper napkins can be folded in half into a tube. Complex compositions in the form of cylinders, cones, and candles are very popular. For home gatherings, such options are not required. In such cases, it is better to give preference to simpler options.

Before decorating the table with napkins, you need to wash and dry your hands thoroughly. It’s better to touch them less during the process.

For ceremonial serving, unusual folding methods are more suitable: flowers, fan, crown, butterfly. It is best to choose based on the reason for the feast. For a woman's birthday, flowers are suitable; for a man's holiday, you can give preference to a crown. For your wedding day, you can roll up textile napkins and decorate them with a special ring.

When choosing napkins, you need to remember the harmonious combination of colors in the table setting. It is better to select shades to match the tone of the overall color scheme. If the tablecloth is a single-colored deep shade, then dishes and napkins must be chosen in white or beige tones.

When choosing the color of napkins, it is worth considering the setting, the reason for the event, the shades of the tablecloth and dishes.

White table napkins are a harmonious solution in any situation. When giving preference to bright shades, you should remember their ability to influence a person’s emotional background. For example, red and yellow give a joyful mood, blue and green will help you tune in to a business conversation.

When serving, consider the following recommendations:

1. Using paper napkins, you can lay out any shape or pattern in the center of the table.
2. When rolling up products, it is worth considering so that they can easily unfold and return to their original form when guests wish to use them for their intended purpose.
3. Now stores offer many themed paper napkins for birthdays, New Years and other holidays. It is entirely acceptable to decorate the table with such options if they correspond to the purpose of the event.

A festive combination of colors implies the presence of bright, rich or white plain napkins. One of the classic ceremonial shades is white. Its combination with other colors will help emphasize the direction of the celebration.

Home events allow colored napkins for the festive table with drawings, patterns, and themed paper options. This is especially true for children's parties. There is an abundance of paper products with cartoon characters and animals on store shelves.

You can use paper napkins to place a shape in the center of the table.

When folding products, make sure that they unfold easily

Home events allow themed paper options

§ 3. Study of the physical properties of paper napkins

Mechanical rupture

The napkins were cut into strips 10 cm long and 2 cm wide. One edge of the napkin was pressed with a finger to the table, and a dynamometer was attached to the other with a clamp (Fig. 4). The sample was stretched, and the dynamometer readings were recorded at the moment of rupture.

For each sample, 6–7 measurements were carried out and the arithmetic mean value of the breaking force was found. The results are presented in Table No. 3.

Table 3. Mechanical strength of napkins

It turned out that the napkins have anisotropy1 of mechanical properties. This is due to the structure of the napkins (the orientation of the cellulose fibers and the degree of uniformity of their distribution). Experience has shown that samples with a base density of up to 18 g/m2 have lower mechanical strength. Moreover, the mechanical strength turned out to be lower for napkins with a non-uniform structure.

Absorbency

The entire napkin was immersed in water for 1 minute and then, when the excess water had drained off, it was weighed on a laboratory scale. The difference in the masses of the wet and dry napkins was divided by the mass of the dry napkin and multiplied by 100%. The results of measurements and calculations are given in table No. 4. The best results were found in napkins with a loose structure and low base density.

Table 4. Absorbency

Capillarity

Strips of napkins 20 cm long and 2 cm wide were immersed in liquids (Juice with pulp, juice without pulp, sunflower oil, water) in a vertical position. It was measured to what height the liquids would rise (cm). The results of the experiment are shown in Table No. 5. They also have the highest density, macro- and microporosity.

Table 5. Capillarity

§ 1. Main characteristics of napkins

The production of paper napkins originated in Japan in the 19th century. Like everything new, these products were quite expensive, and the paper of that time itself was not cheap. Paper napkins became popular in the 70s of the last century thanks to the Germans. It was in practical Germany that they decided to put production on stream to make paper napkins affordable. The thirst for comfort and cleanliness surpassed aesthetics, which allowed paper napkins to appear in every home, and for little money [1].

Let's look at the main characteristics of paper napkins.

Geometric: porosity, smoothness, mass 1 m2 (base density), uniformity of structure.

Mechanical : tensile strength.

Sorptive: absorbency.

Porosity directly affects the absorbency of paper. Paper is a porous-capillary material, and a distinction is made between macro- and microporosity. Macropores, or simply pores, are spaces between fibers filled with air and moisture. Micropores, or capillaries, are tiny spaces of indeterminate shape that form between the cellulose fibers of uncoated papers. There are also capillaries inside cellulose fibers. All uncoated, not overly compacted papers, such as napkins, are macroporous. Such papers absorb liquids well due to their loose structure, that is, a highly developed internal surface [2, 3].

The smoothness of paper , that is, its microrelief, determines the paper’s ability to transmit the finest colorful lines, dots and their combinations without breaks or distortions. This is one of the most important printing properties of paper. The higher the smoothness of the paper, the greater the completeness of contact between its surface and the printing plate, the less pressure needs to be applied when printing, the higher the image quality. Thus, in order to get a high-quality pattern on a napkin, its surface must be smooth [2].

The density of the base shows how much mass 1 m2 of a given napkin has. The unit of base density is g/m2. According to the accepted classification, the mass of 1 m2 of paper napkins can be less than 24 g (low-density napkins) and more than 24 g (high-density napkins) [2].

The lumen of paper characterizes the degree of homogeneity of its structure (uniform distribution of fibers in it). The lumen of the paper is judged by observation in transmitted light. Heavily cloudy paper is extremely heterogeneous. Its thin places are also the least durable. Printing on cloud paper turns out to be of poor quality due to the unevenness of the paper's perception of printing ink. Thick areas of the paper web are colored more intensely and thin areas less intensely [2].

The strength of paper depends on the strength of the paper structure itself, which is formed during the paper production process. This property is usually characterized by a breaking force in newtons [2, 3].

The absorbency of paper shows how much liquid the paper can absorb:

Table No. 1 shows the classification of napkins. We selected 10 samples of paper napkins for testing (Fig. 1).

Picture 1

Table 1. Classification of paper napkins

1. Napkin with perforation and embossing, with a “Snowflake” pattern, single-layer.
2. With perforation and embossing, white, single layer.
3. With perforation, colored with a pattern, single-layer.
4. With perforation and embossing, with a “Snowman” pattern, single-layer.
5. With perforation, colored with a pattern, two-layer.
6. With perforation and embossing, white, two-layer.
7. With perforation and embossing, with a “Flowers” ​​pattern, single-layer.
8. With perforation and embossing, with a “Flowers” ​​pattern, three-layer, smooth.
9. With perforation and embossing, smooth, with a “Grape” pattern, single-layer.

Results of work

1. The internal structure of the napkins was studied using a microscope (magnification 50 times), the thickness of the napkins was measured with a micrometer with an electronic digital reading device, the mass of the napkins was determined using a laboratory scale, and the breaking force was determined with a laboratory dynamometer. The density of the napkin base was calculated.

2. During the experiments, it was revealed that smooth napkins with the highest base density and uniform structure (49.6 g/m2, 33.3 g/m2, 33.1 g/m2) withstand the greatest breaking force. However, they have poor absorbency (485%, 458% and 494%), although due to their large size and multi-layer nature, such napkins can absorb a significant amount of liquid (17.8–26.2 g versus 5.5–9.0 g for single-layer ones). These wipes have good capillarity. Wipes with the lowest base density and loose structure have the greatest absorbing ability, but they have low mechanical strength and tear when wet. All napkins exhibit anisotropy of mechanical properties, which is associated with a certain orientation of cellulose fibers. Colored wipes may stain the liquid.