Growing up (and to this day), my mother would always keep the Dining Room Table decorated. Cloth placemats, wine glasses, fancy dinnerware procured from Germany (Army Brat!) and its neighboring countries, crystal vases in the center of the table, and all the plates were topped off with linen napkins nestled inside a napkin ring. But, we never used the napkins. In fact,the only time I saw people using linen napkins was on TV.
As I go through life and do the “adulting” thing, I always feel like there’s more I could do. Recently I decided I needed to add linen napkins to my kitchen arsenal. Hands down, the kitchen is where I spend most of my time so mess is inevitable.
A few reasons linen napkins work better for me: I am terrible at remembering to pick up paper towels and napkins, I feel like they are wasteful, and I really don’t like the aesthetics of paper napkins and towels on the counter and/or table.
Since one of my main reasons for switching to linen is to have a more sustainable lifestyle, it only makes since to be sustainable in my purchasing so, I headed to my local Goodwill.
Perks of buying small items such as linen napkins at Goodwill? They are so inexpensive! You can easily add enough to your collection (or start one). I was able to get around 12 napkins (of different colors) for less than $5!
And they have been used. Whether I’m cooking, wiping down the counters, or my sons are eating, I have a linen napkin available. Also the guilt I felt of seeing my sons go through several paper napkins or towels while eating is gone. Just a quick cycle in the washer and dryer and they are good to go for next use. Another plus for linen napkins? They make great props for my food shots.
And you can always personalize your linens if you want like I did with these tea towels.
What are ways you reduce the need for paper napkins and towels?
Side note: I do realize there are more important things that one can do to be more of an adult. I am using “adulting” in jest.
December 8, 2017 at 10:08 AM
bravo bravo! I thought i was the only one… I stopped buying paper towels years ago…i think it’s a waste of money too.. all my friends can’t believe i have no paper towels in my house. My sister got so annoyed she bought some during her week’s stay.. after she left they sat in my house for months before i actually finished the roll
December 9, 2017 at 11:46 AM
People are usually shocked when you don’t have “conveniences.” But once you do without it you adjust and tend to be better off!
December 8, 2017 at 10:32 AM
I went the other way, started buying paper napkins to cut down on the constant paper towel use. Now, I’ll give linen a shot. I have also been using/buying cloth dish towels more so household might be already conditioned for it.
December 9, 2017 at 11:47 AM
I used to use dish towels in replace of napkins and paper towels when I was in a pinch! Definitely give linen napkins a try!