How Many Napkins Are Needed for a Party?

may-napkins-004We absolutely love personalized napkins!  They are an affordable way to add some panache to your party and also very useful!  If you are wondering how many napkins to order, determining the correct number of napkins to order is easy!   First consider how the napkins will be used for your event.  Napkins generally come in 4 sizes.  Beverage size (also knows as Cocktail size) are a smaller square size and used for drinks and appetizers.  Luncheon napkins are a medium square size and often used for desserts or heavy appetizers.  Dinner napkins are a large square and used for meals.  And Guest Towels are longer rectangles and used for either a meal or in the washroom.may-napkins-003

For smaller events, such as a rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, birthday party or cocktail party, you can count on using approximately 2-3 beverage size napkins for drinks and appetizers per person. For the meal, normally cloth napkins are provided by the venue or you might want to order guest towels or dinner napkins, about 1 per person is sufficient.  If you are having a sweet table selection add 1-2 cocktail or luncheon napkins per guest.

For larger more formal events such as weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, corporate functions or fundraisers, we suggest ordering at least 3-4 beverage napkins per guest as there are generally more appetizers, bartenders generally give out a napkin with each drink.  If there are several bar stations, add an additional 1-2 napkins per person to account for supplying the bars with ample napkins.  If there will be a sweet table add 1-2 more beverage napkins per guest or luncheon napkins are nice too.  Typically outside venues will provide cloth napkins for the meal.  If there is a private washroom order 1-2 guest towels per guest.

For semi-casual parties or casual events such as a 50th birthday party, a pool party or a graduation celebration, we’d suggest ordering 2-3 beverage napkins per guest for appetizers and drinks.  If also using for desserts add 1 beverage or luncheon napkin per guest.  For the meal itself, either use cloth napkins or order 1 guest towel or dinner napkins per guest, with some extras.

For washrooms, as an extra nice accent, order guest towels for the washroom(s). If you are at an outside venue, and if you have private washrooms for your event, it’s nice to order 1-2 guest towels per person (place a few more in the ladies room than in the men’s room).  If you are planning the event in your home, place a stack of guest towels in your washroom for your guests to use.

Printed napkins are one of our favorite accents for all types of celebrations.  They set the tone, a theme, and of course, they are just so pretty!  And if you keep the imprint neutral, such as a monogram, you can certainly use any leftover napkins around the house for when guests drop by!

Best wishes,
Renee