Hosting Hints - What size napkin do I need
From cocktail to guest napkins, 25cm to 40cm, we explain the options available.
What napkin sizes are there?
There are three main napkin sizes:
Small – sized 25cm by 25cm -known as cocktail napkins they are largely used for drinks and picky bits entertaining rather than a full meal.
Standard – sized 33cm by 33cm. You’ll be familiar with this size as it’s commonly used in restaurants for lunches. Google searches will advise standard napkins are used for lunches and light meals but we find that are flexible and work for all occasions.
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Large – sized 40cm by 40cm. Perfect for those gatherings around a table you know guests are going to linger or for very special occasions.
Are napkins measured folded or unfolded?
Napkin sizes are always listed unfolded. When folded in the pack, they will appear much smaller.
What are guest napkins?
The name refers more to use than size as they are often placed in bathrooms as hand towels for guests - they are simply decorative paper napkins. They sometimes come folded to be rectangular rather than square.
Are all napkins squared shaped?
No, napkins can be shaped to be more decorative and fun. For example, we have strawberry and tomato shaped napkins, bunny and cat shaped for Easter and Halloween and even one shaped as a birthday cake.
How many napkins should I buy for guests?
One of the benefits of paper napkins is they generally come in packs of 20 so it’s easy to have plenty on standby as extras.
- Drinks party: 2–3 per guest
- Lunch, dinner party or celebration : 1–2 per guest
