If you're serving cocktails, the last thing you want to find at the end of the evening is water rings all over your furniture and counters. A proper cocktail napkin protects your furniture from condensation, as well as being handy if a guest spills something on themselves. Whether you stock them at your home bar because they're handy, or you have a big event to plan, ensuring this item is in stock will help your evening to run just a little bit smoother.
Comfy Package 1-ply white beverage napkins, pack of 500
Gold standard for bars and restaurants across the globe
Basic isn't a bad thing, and it also doesn't have to feel boring.
Pros:
- Highly absorbent
- Biodegradable and affordable
- Choose between 500 and 1000 count packs
Cons:
- White napkins are extremely common
Comfy Package's 500-pack of white cocktail napkins is sold in bulk because few things are worse than running out of napkins at a bar, restaurant, or party. Sure, they're the classic (and some would say dull) little squares of white, soft napkins; but they've served their purpose well for decades. The texture is smooth and light, and the paper is more absorbent than you'd think. Slip one under a frosty pint, and rest assured that your table will stay dry—affordably.
Perfect Stix pack of 100 2-ply cocktail beverage napkins
A color for every occasion
Ten rich shades to choose from and a more cushiony feel add a touch of class to any dinner party.
Pros:
- Saturated colors
- 2-ply for a luxe feel
- Fancy enough for catering
Cons:
- More expensive per pack
Perfect Stix encourages you to choose from a rainbow of colors, other than opting for the status-quo white napkin. Their cocktail napkins are richly colored and would stand out exceptionally well as a table setting component. Most cocktail napkins are 1-ply, but these are 2-ply; that's double the paper, and therefore twice the absorbency. Offered in 100-count and 600-count packs, they're well worth buying to liven up any gathering or dining atmosphere—we love the lush Burgundy and Hunter Green shades.
Boston International IHR Marimekko floral cocktail beverage napkins
Capitalizes on Marimekko's emblematic patterns
Fans of pop art and mod fashion will especially love Boston Internationals' Marimekko cocktail napkin collection.
Pros:
- Designed with 3-ply thickness for exceptional absorbency
- Cheery and bright floral pattern in ten colorways
- Matching guest and lunch napkins are also available
- Big enough to put snacks on
Cons:
- On the larger side at 5-by 5-inches
- Only 20 napkins per pack
Since 1951, Finnish designer Marimekko has been known for their beautifully bold prints that make a statement. Partnered with Boston International, they created a line of cocktail napkins based on a floral pattern called Unikko. They're available in three neutral tones and seven bright shades, ensuring that your ideal decor scheme comes to fruition in a snap.
Cakewalk (Party) Pineapple Crush disposable cocktail napkins, 20-Count
The fruit of hospitality
If you're looking for cocktail napkins with a detailed but not overpowering pattern, then Cakewalk (Party)'s gilded pineapple design should be at the top of your list.
Pros:
- Dainty detailing
- Reimagines a retro decoration staple
- Snack-friendly
- Ultra-absorbent
Cons:
- The pattern is only embossed on the top square of the napkin
Thin, shimmery gold outlines illustrated pineapples on Cakewalk (Party)'s cocktail napkins, making their white base more festive with a metallic shine. These napkins come in a 20-pack, which seems to be pretty standard for the premium ones. They're perfect for a luau-themed evening, especially if you're looking to keep things subtle instead of tacky. Historically, pineapples are known as the fruit of hospitality, so what better choice for your next shindig?
Signature Napkins 100% Cotton Cocktail Napkin, 50-Pack
Cotton, the napkin of our lives
Signature Napkins has changed the game with their 100% cotton, washable cocktail napkins; disposables never looked so luxe.
Pros:
- Won award for Forbes' Official Cotton Cocktail Napkins of 2019
- Vibrant primary, secondary, and neutral color choices
- Biodegradable, recyclable
Cons:
- Quite thin, for an item meant to be reused
- May need to iron them after washing if you want them to look the same
With crisp geometric borders in a contrasting tone and over twenty colors to mix or match, Signature Napkins' cocktail napkins will make you look twice. You'll quickly notice their table-linen feel, useful for elevating a festive atmosphere. Unlike other cocktail napkins, however, these are washable, twenty times more absorbent than paper, and intended for repeated use. Washing will undoubtedly rumple them, so a quick pass with iron should restore them to their former glory. If you feel like washing and ironing a disposable product is unrealistic (honestly, so do I), don't worry—they're 100% biodegradable and recyclable.
CONVOKINS by COTIER 50-pack conversation starter cocktail napkins
Never have I ever
Hate small talk? Use Cotier's "Convokins" conversation starter cocktail napkins to break the ice for you.
Pros:
- Minimalist, but still thought-provoking
- Great for meeting new people
- Decreases stress for the party host
- Fun design—peel back the top of the napkin to reveal your mystery question
Cons:
- The concept might not translate as well if the party is virtual
- Best for people you'll never see again, we'll explain
Sometimes, we end up in social situations where we don't know anyone else but ourselves. For shy folk, the pressure of starting a conversation can feel insurmountable. With a blend of frivolous and thought-provoking discussion prompts, Cotier Brand has totally revolutionized the party icebreaker. In the best-case scenario, you get to know your fellow partygoers and potentially make a new friend. Worst case scenario? You find out which guest is cool with peeing in swimming pools (a real prompt you can find on these napkins). Let's be honest—there's probably no coming back from that tidbit of knowledge.
Bottom line
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When it comes to cocktail napkins, one option isn't nearly enough. There are a variety of napkins out there, and they come in different sizes and patterns. That just means that you can find the perfect option for your plans.
If we could only suggest one pick it'd be our best overall cocktail napkin by Comfy Package is tried and true, traditional, and affordable. They'll look great at home or at the bar under drippy, condensation-laden glassware. They ward off the dreaded water rings, and that's the main reason cocktail napkins exist; coasters will always last longer, but paper napkins can be recycled at the end of the night.
Why trust us?
At RealHomes, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.