A Complete Guide on Paper Napkins for Restaurants and Hotels

The quality of paper napkins sets a standard for the dining scene.

The fondest memories are made when gathered around the table. And yes, paper napkins are important.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Napkins

Think of cutting the budget, and reducing or replacing an item may come to mind. This technique works with disposable cutlery, either a wooden fork or wooden spoon only would do but not for napkins. After all the hard work in perfecting the dishes and customer service, the last thing you want is the customer using a low-quality napkin. This scenario would not align with the message of your business right away. If he/she comes over to get another piece of serviette, there goes your goal of cutting the cost.

Next, you may be tempted to print on your dinner napkin. Yes, that’s a good move to grab some attention. However, it is wise to start with plain paper napkins. Firstly, organise your storage space. Our minimum order for serviette printing is 30 cartons. Which some customers are happy to pay for but later regret the cartons taking up plentiful space. Also, it’s smart to look for the best colour that matches your dining space. You don’t want the napkin’s logo or design to not be par with the theme of the cafe.

What is Ply in Paper Napkins?

Ply means the number of layers in the napkin. 1 Ply may seem like a budget pick but it could turn into a backfire. It’s just too thin to get the job done. 2 Ply means it is made with two layers of paper and it serves to complete the task effectively.

Nevertheless, it can be slightly misleading too. The thickness of the serviette can make or break the overall condition. So you may get a 2-ply tissue that is just slightly better than a 1-ply tissue. It’s wise to get from brands that pay attention to Quality Control (QC).

Which Napkin to Use?

Well, choosing the right napkin isn’t tough unless you are a newbie. Some customers eventually get confused when panning their sight from a cocktail napkin, dinner napkin, regular tissue and hand towels.

“Which one do I need now?”

Cocktail Napkin

Paper napkin Malaysia
Napkin White

The name of the napkin says it all. This paper napkin often pairs with cocktail drinks. Although they are small in size, their impact is significant. In cafes and bars, these 2-ply napkins are placed beneath the glasses or balance out small cocktail plates. The cold condensation from the glass does not ruin the furniture and prevent a sticky bar surface.

Also, it does not matter if someone dabs their lipstick on them since it is a disposable napkin.

BUY NOW

Dinner Napkin

Dinner napkin and wooden cutlery Malaysia
Presentable serviettes

A large serviette that is commonly spotted in cafes, hotels and food sampling occasions. This is the paper napkin you need for a full meal, rather than just a dish. When opened up, the dinner napkin comes up to 40cm x 40cm. That’s good enough to keep the customer going through an appetiser, entree and dessert.

Soft touch, dense material and presentable, you do fancy guests to effortlessly wipe the mouth and fingers while eating. The best way to keep them happy is to make sure nothing comes in between them and their meal.

BUY NOW

Pure Pulp Serviette

Stock up some tissues at the table
Paper napkin in a cafe’s counter

First of all, what is the difference between a serviette and a napkin? There is none actually. Both refer to a piece of paper to wipe fingers and lips during and after a meal. There is only a preference though. Most Americans use the word napkin, meanwhile the British relate napkin with the upper class and serviette with an unposh setting.

The normal serviette that is generally used for speedy meals and food delivery services. For instance, a disposable lunch box of fried rice or noodles requires only a single paper serviette. In short, for a meal that’s less of an experience and more of a routine takeout, use this paper napkin.

BUY NOW

Do I Need to Place Additional Napkins?

Based on our observations, paper napkins go excessively to the bin. Some guests take a handful from counters or empty up those tissue trays. So how do you control this?

Aforementioned, you can never say no to tissue as it disorders an entire dining experience. For fine dining restaurants and hotels, the dinner napkins are pre-placed on the tables. Therefore, anything extra will only be upon request to the waiters.

For restaurants, there should be a balance. If you have a hand towel dispenser near the washing area, tissue holders on the tables are unnecessary. If you don’t use hand towels, it would be appropriate to place a tissue holder either at the counter or the table itself.

How about occasions that encourage conversations among guests such as food sampling events, hi-tea parties, business-oriented canape sessions? For cocktails, give a fresh paper napkin with each order. Furthermore, place the serviettes at the edge of the buffet station. These communal functions would see countless handshakes, device handlings and writing, so keeping hands tidy and dry is essential. These events will be perfect to use biodegradable plates and wooden cutlery too.