Colette-tions: Linen Cocktail Napkins

Linen cocktail napkins can really elevate a cocktail party as they are undeniably fancier than a paper cocktail napkin. It’s also a great way to reduce waste - linen cocktail napkins are reusable, just a quick wash and they’re good to go again. And furthermore, they make for a great hostess gift!

My linen cocktail napkin collection has grown so large, I can’t remember which set began it all. I do know that I’ve always loved table linens, whether it be tablecloths, dinner napkins or cocktail napkins. There was something incredibly elegant about a lovely stretch of linen. 

I would argue there is more practicality in dinner napkins and tablecloth but like most of my collections, I tend to start with smaller items and linen cocktail napkins fit the bill. Not only are linen cocktail napkins physically smaller, they are also often less expensive and when this collection began, I couldn’t justify spending loads of money on a set of napkins (I still can’t justify this but sometimes I act without justification…). My collection ranges from pineapple motifs (more on pineapples later), to assorted vintage options, to milk-and-cookie themed, perfect to use with dessert. 

What I do know about the origins of this collection is that it began before I was hosting cocktail parties. As a result, I started the tradition of using a linen cocktail napkin just because, with no special event occurring. This is a policy I implement with everything - no special occasion is needed because things are meant to be used, not sit on a shelf untouched. And by using these items, I make each moment special in its own way. 

My adoration for linens has since grown into a love for dinner napkins but that has yet to catch up to the staggering count of 100 linen cocktail napkins.

Shop my favorites by clicking on the images above!