What is a Cocktail Napkin and What Size Should It Be?
What Are Cocktail Napkins?
If you're hosting a special event such as a wedding or cocktail party, one essential item you want present is a stack of cocktail napkins. Cocktail napkins are the smallest napkin type typically measuring 5"x5" inches and are used to hold glasses during cocktail hour. They can also be used to serve snacks and appetizers. They're not designed for serving the main course because of their small size. Obviously.
In this guide, you're going to learn all there is to know about cocktail napkins.
So, come along.
What is the Size of a Cocktail Napkin?
Cocktail napkins size usually ranges from 5" to 10" inches square. At Ichcha, our cloth cocktail napkins are 8" inches, which is a perfect size as it's neither too small nor too large. Just sufficient to wipe and absorb moisture from a wet wine glass conveniently.
Cocktail napkin size in cm is around 13cm-25cm.
If you have an event or wedding coming up, shop our colorful sets of block print cocktail napkins now.
Are Cocktail Napkins the Same as Regular Napkins?
No, cocktail napkins are pretty different from regular napkins (aka dinner napkins). In fact, cocktail napkins are the smallest type of napkins. Cocktail napkins are often called appetizer napkins.
While cocktail napkins don't usually exceed 10" inches, dinner napkins are much larger and measure anything from 18" to 26" inches across. At Ichcha, our dinner napkins are 19" inches square.
Another difference between cocktail napkins and dinner napkins is the purpose. Because of their size, cocktail napkins cannot be spread on the laps like dinner napkins to prevent food spills.
For events like wedding receptions where there's both a meal and appetizers or cocktail hour, you'll need dinner napkins as well as wedding cocktail napkins.
You can get elegant cloth cocktail napkins in bulk for your wedding here.
What Are Cocktail Napkins Used For?
1. For Holding Wet Glasses
When your wine glass builds condensation, your cloth cocktail napkin absorbs it, preventing your hands from getting wet. It also prevents the condensation from dripping.
2. Preventing Wet Stains on Furniture
A coaster is often placed underneath wet glasses to avoid leaving those unsightly wet rings on the furniture. But what if there's no coaster in sight? Use a cloth cocktail napkin instead.
3. Wiping Stains
Got a wine spill? Or perhaps the cake left some crumbs on your lips. Use your cute cocktail napkin to wipe it off.
4. Placing Under Cocktail Plate
If you've been to other parties, chances are you've seen small cloth napkins placed under the cocktail plates.
5. As an Alternative to Cocktail Plates
If cocktail plates are not available and a guest needs to take more than one bite of the hors d'oeuvre, the cocktail napkin can always come in handy.
6. As Everyday Napkins
Cloth cocktail napkins can also be used at home as everyday napkins because they're easy to use, wash, and store. Fun fact: it's what we use at home!
What Color Should Cocktail Napkins Be?
Many people believe napkins should be white or some other neutral color, especially for formal events. But fun fact, that idea is reserved for dinner napkins. When it comes to cocktail napkins, be free to choose any color that's suits your style. You really don't have to overthink it.
Your cocktail napkins for holiday party should especially be colorful and vibrant.
Whether it's a neutral color or block printed cloth cocktail napkin, just ensure your cocktail napkins do not disrupt your event's theme.
Should You Use Paper or Cloth Cocktail Napkins?
For something that'd be used to hold wet glasses and wipe wine stains, paper cocktail napkins sound like a great idea. Emphasis on “sound.” There are three reasons why paper cocktail napkins aren't actually a good idea for your event:
Paper napkins are in no way elegant. If you have dignified guests, don't even consider it.
Paper cocktail napkins can break into bits when very damp. This is inconvenient for guests.
Paper napkins are bad for the environment.
Cocktail cloth napkins are the way to go for any event, be it a casual house party or wedding reception. Not only are they elegant, but cloth napkins offer a wider range of colors and patterns to choose from. Neutral, floral, block print, name it—the options are endless.
But most importantly, clock cocktail napkins are washable and reusable, making them a more sustainable option.
So whenever you'll be hosting your next holiday party, you'll have a stack of beautiful cloth napkins ready to go.
Check out these colorful sets of reusable cocktail cloth napkins.
How Many Cocktail Napkins Per Person Should You Provide?
Since guests usually make multiple visits to the drink station, it's wise to provide 3-4 cocktail napkins per person. Expect that they'll dispose of a napkin after each use. So if that happens, they'll always have another one ready for their next visit.
How to Place Cocktail Napkins
You don't fold cocktail napkins the same way you fold dinner napkins. You can simply place stacks of cocktail napkins on the cocktail table or the bar where drinks are served. If possible, use small decorative holders to keep the cocktail napkins in place.
Another way is to place a cocktail napkin in each empty glass.
Why is Napkin Size Important for Party Planning?
Well, why can't you use just any type of napkin for your party? It's simple; each napkin type has a different purpose.
If you use a larger napkin measuring 20" inches to hold a glass, that's overkill, isn't it?
Cocktail napkin dimensions are tiny, about 5"-10", because you only need a small napkin to hold a wine glass or serve dessert. You wouldn't have to wipe a truckload of stains before disposing of it. Whereas if you're having a main meal, you need a large napkin that can be spread across the thigh. A dinner napkin size of around 19" can hold up for several meal courses.
There are also luncheon napkins. Luncheon napkins are smaller than dinner napkins but larger than cocktail napkins. If you're having a lunch or picnic, luncheon napkins can be ideal.
Getting Your Own Set of Cocktail Napkins
As you can see, cocktail napkins work well for every occasion, be it a black tie party, a wedding reception, or a casual holiday party. And if you are eco-conscious, go for cocktail napkins made of cloth.
Need a decorative stack of cloth cocktail napkins? Visit Ichcha today. Show your amazing taste as a host with our elegant block print designs and organic cotton fabric.
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Posted Feb 21, 2025
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