Preparation
Swapping out paper napkins for cloth linens is a great way to upgrade your tablescape, but it’s also the more socially conscious choice. Investing in linen napkins, tablecloths, and placemats is an easy way to live more sustainably. Studies show that it’s becoming the more popular approach, too: According to a 2020 paper products industry report, only 37 percent of 25- to 34-year-olds use paper napkins (which is much less than older generations). Bottom line? It’s cool to lower your carbon footprint.
And then there’s the fact that cloth looks so much prettier and polished than paper. Want to instantly elevate your dinner party? If you’re already ditching the basic paper plates in favor of lovely dinnerware, why not up the ante with quality linens? After all, a great tablecloth, unique placemats, and even cloth napkins all work to make your tabletop look sophisticated sans an elaborate centerpiece. That’s why we pulled together this list of some of our favorite linen companies; their lovely embroidered, hand-dyed, and patterned options that will have you saying goodbye to paper for good.
Sur La Table ″Couleur Nature Papillion″ Blue Cloth PlacematsMaison D’Hermine Botanical Floral TableclothWilliams Sonoma Linen Double Hemstitch NapkinsPottery Barn ″Sophia″ Floral Block Print Cotton NapkinsYaya & Co “Kayla” Organic Cotton Tablecloth
