In addition to cooking, I enjoy finding ways to streamline and simplify uses of everyday kitchen items. It is a natural extension of my culinary passions, and I plan to share some of my ideas with you in the coming weeks.

I am going through a renovation of my home, and it will be a very exciting, but stressful period of time. I will be completely transforming my kitchen! This may affect my blog and the frequency with which I will be able to post. I will try to start posting two times per week. Many of my blogs will focus on entertaining ideas, as well as tips for household chores and other random tidbits.

Today I would like to talk about napkins. Just about anyone who knows me knows that one of my biggest pet peeves is polyester napkins. I never use them, unless I know they will enhance my feature picture for one of my blog recipes. They look good, they match, but in the real world, they stink.

These napkins are often used in restaurants and many people own them and use them at home. Why? They don’t absorb the food, they frequently fall to the floor and they feel horrible on your skin.

Make a switch. An easy, more affordable and comfortable alternative are cotton kitchen towels or bar towels as napkins. They are more causal, yet can be used in any table setting, from a simple dinner with your family to a more formal dinner when entertaining guests.

You can purchase pretty white kitchen towels with a simple color running through them. Often, you can find them at many stores like Target or Walmart, or online at Amazon. 

Depending on the size, you can get a set of 12, 12×12 inch dish towels for $6.99, or a set of 15, 14 x 25 inch for $10.99. They come in all sizes and colors. You can informally roll them up and place them at your table setting, or find a creative way of folding them. The clever ways of using them are endless.

You can also purchase sets of bar towels at Costco or other similar stores which are perfect for any occasion.

Most of the napkins you find in stores are not sold in sets, but individually. They are non-absorbent and rough on the skin. It is hard to get the stains out of them. They are expensive to buy and expensive to replace (if you can find them again).

Make the change. You, your guests and your household expense budget will not regret it.

One of my favorite ways to use them with company is to wrap them with an organza napkin, which makes a beautiful and affordable presentation.

It’s that simple!