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The best napkins to decorate your dinner table for seasonal entertaining
I always think a napkin is the investment handbag of the tablescaping world. A beautifully dressed dining table without one looks like something’s missing, and even if you don’t need to use it, the table feels complete and polished for its presence. After all, it’s the complete medley of the tablecloth and the cutlery and plates together that makes the best-dressed tables sing.
If you’re thinking about what to mix and match, I personally love a simple linen napkin on a decorative tablecloth in a complementary colour, or vice versa, buy an inexpensive linen tablecloth from somewhere like Etsy or H&M Home and elevate it with a patterned napkin from a brand you really love. If you can’t afford a large tablecloth from somewhere like Summerill & Bishop, chances are a set of napkins are an easier cost to swallow.
You could have napkins made quite easily using your favourite fabrics with a simple hem or try experimenting with white linen and natural vegetable dyes to create soft hues of pink and peach. When shopping for vintage, I love to look out for ornate hand embroidery or an antique lace edge, or surprise your dinner or wedding guests with their initials or a meaningful (to them) symbol embroidered on a napkin at their place setting.
Read on for our edit of the best napkins to punctuate your tablescape, from seriously chic and classic choices to eccentric and fun napkins that will bring a smile to the face of any dinner party guest.
Best brands to shop at:
- John Lewis: for reliable quality from own-brand products, as well as stocking stylish independent brands and collaborations such as John Lewis x Collagerie.
- La DoubleJ: for fun, colourful patterns that are still chic. A great option to boldly contrast with simple plates on a table set for a party.
- Liberty: for their own classic and timeless ditsy prints, and other high-end, quirky brands that aren't widely available.
- The White Company: for great quality, minimalist napkins in neutrals that will go with any crockery.
- Toast: for casual, rumpled linen that brings effortless cool to the dining table.
- La Redoute: for a wide range of napkin styles including sweet seasonal options, that are all highly affordable.
- Hay: for Scandi simplicity in playful colours.
Best napkins to buy 2024
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Looking for some more tableware to pair with your new napkins? Have a look at our guide to the best tablecloths, or head over here to see our round up of the best glasses. To take your tablescape to the next level, do have a nosey at our round up of the loveliest candles and candlesticks.
