apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

We're struggling with this, too. So far we've used disposables for large parties, but I'm not happy with that. On the other hand, we don't have that many large parties. We're having several right now because we recently moved, but that won't last forever. It's some consolation that at least our daily habits are greener--but it's not really all that much consolation. I'm hoping to have another approach before our next housewarming.

Buy the recycled paper ones, they can be composted if you have the availability. We had a housewarming B-B-Q this past summer and composted all of the paper plates and napkins that we used. I hated having to use them, but the fact that they were compostable made it a little better.

Buy a flat sheet at the thirft store. Use pinking shears to cut out rectangles that, when doubled over, are the size and shape of cocktail napkins. No sew, no waste, and I bet you could make dozens from one clean flat cotton sheet. Wash after and either loan to friends for their 'digs or keep for your next event.

Haven't done this, just thinking out loud...

I agree with Nora Rocket; pinking shears are a great way to not only make the edges not fray, but also make a pretty decoration. If you decide you're never going to use them as cocktail napkins again, you can either sew them back together in a monochrome quilt, or use them to wrap small gifts, or even have a contest with your guests as to what they can do with one. Or you could always donate or loan them to someone else who's throwing a large party.

alternately, buy paper and compost them.

If you are going to the thrift store, you can probably also pick up scads of cocktail napkins. One place I frequent often bags them in large groups and they are cheap. They are often pretty interesting, too--monogrammed, or embroidered, part of bridge sets, etc.

How about renting? I rented a whole slew of stuff (tables, chairs, plates, silverware, linens) last year for a big thanksgiving. It was wonderful. They delivered my order for a fee, but I think some rental places do have a show room where you can pick up supplies. As a side benefit they do take back the items dirty.

I made my own napkins for this year's thanksgiving, and recommend it. However, if you're not going to need them afterwards why have the clutter? You could turn them into cleaning wipes or that size would make great tissues.

I'll tell you what I did. I went to TJ Max and made a b-line to the clearance section. Picked up 20 cloth napkins for under $3. I use them whenever I have a party and whenever I feel compelled to use a real napkin. They take up little space and cost very little. It just makes sense.

Oh and P.S. I found that people have used fewer real napkins as compared to similar size parties using paper napkins.

For everyday we use cloth napkins and we have a small set of nice cocktail napkins but for a large party I would rent. If it's for a big special occasion party you could turn the napkins into a quilt or other decoration when the party was over so you aren't left with a bunch of napkins.

seventh generation is 100% post consumer content. we have to buy some of this stuff for there to be a profitable market for the companies who are trying to do this. if no one buys it, no one will buy the recycled products, no one will recycle!

cocktail napkins are nice. i would feel weird with having to re-wash fabrics that someone has spit out something they didn't like in or if they were greasy from filo dough or something the grease would never come out. and then it would be wasted fabric.

I was also going to say use a sheet cut into squares, and if you have nice handwriting, you could use a fabric pen and monogram them. Even if you toss them, it would be worth it if it was an old sheet or you got one at the goodwill. Or tell your guests to bring them home with them after the party, maybe write the date on them and make them pseudo - party favors.

Buy more napkins. When not in use, use napkins in between stacked serving bowls, plates, other breakable serving ware that you have stored away to keep these items protected from chipping and scratching. Or roll them up and store them in drinking glasses that you do not use every day.

My collection of funky tablecloths had outgrown storage space and the boyfriend just packed them between my collection of handmade ceramic serving bowls and other breakable cookware I keep stashed in a cupboard for dinner parties.

Someone mentioned this, but you can rent linens. Alternatively, you could simply borrow extra table linens from a friend or neighbour.

I have a ton of spare cloth napkins that I picked up at various thrift stores. I am lucky to have space to store them, but I recently inherited a bunch of napkins. I am starting to recycle my thrift store napkins as spare rags. It's amazing how many things I hadn't realized I needed rags for until I had them!