Cloth or paper napkins?

[AndreaDM]

We use cloth too, but we use the small fingertip towels, they work perfectly! I buy them at Target or Walmart on clearance after holidays, there are usually 3 in a bundle. Very absorbent and I just throw them in the wash with the regular towels.

 

[SeansMom]

I have used cloth for many years. I buy new ones when I see a pattern I like, but have never had to throw any out for wearing out. I hate them unless they are all cotton and soft. Any polyester makes them non absorbent and just not useful.

I like Pier 1 for this item.

I was going to say the same. I have some pretty red ones for Christmas, but they are polyester and I really don't like them. My fav's are supper soft cotton. After reading this thread, I was thinking flannel might be nice. Has anyone done this?

 

[tomthebarncat]

I do not use paper products except for toilet paper. I buy cloth napkins at the thrift store or the dollar store. I figure I always have to do laundry, so why spend the money on disposable paper products?

 

[weewuvvdisney]

I made a whole bunch of napkins for us to use.

First, I went through all my tablecloths and took out the ones with stains. I then cut napkins out of the tablecloth working around the stained area. Good way to get rid of the stained ones.

Then once I had done that, I ran to the fabric store to pick up some fabric and made even more.

The only time we use paper is at my dd's birthday party when we could be up to 30 people.

Don't miss paper at all!

 

[cheshireqt]

Paper towels for pizza and fried chicken, even with company. Paper towels for family meals of just us. Cloth for other sit down meals, entertaining. Hey pearlieq, I guess we are low brow too

 

[cheshireqt]

This is exactly why I put my paper towels away in an inconvenient place. I only use them for windows or for frying. He used them for everything! DH know where the paper towels are, but never wants to bend over and dig in the cabinet, so now he uses the hand towels!!

I tried that, because kids and DH will use a full paper towel to wipe their hands after washing them, bypassing the hand towel in the bathroom and the dish towel to get to them. I hid them, holder and all, and within 24 hrs DH installed a permanent under the counter ugly plastic paper towel holder and keeps it stocked himself. I brought back my pretty, antiqued, iron paper towel holder and put it back on the counter.

 

[disneydreamersx4]

When I get the washcloths to use for napkins I am going to get them all in the same color so I can distinguish them from the "bathroom washcloths".
I will only wash the kitchen washcloths with "clothes laundry" and not towels, but I'm funny that way

 

[wlake]

Add me to the cloth count! I've been using them for a couple of years, but I started with just one set. When they were in the wash (we use them for a day, so two or three meals depending), we used paper until I had collected enough to not need paper napkins anymore. Like a PP mentioned, I do keep paper napkins on hand to send to school for the boys' lunches, although those never get touched!

I saw some on clearance at Target the other day -- $1.50 for 4 in case you're not the sewing type. One of my first sets came from the Christmas Tree Shop, if you've got one nearby. I also put them on my birthday/Christmas wish lists for my family and they've gotten me some pretty ones! I've got to cut back -- I have too many to fit in the drawer now!