I’m on the Green Team at work and have made 147 cloth napkins (from fabric I got from a freecycler!) for the cafe at work and 90+ so far (from fabric from 2 other freecyclers!) for the group homes our agency runs. My... (198 replies, last updated by Procrastibaker October 29, 2009)

I know I’m in the minority on this, but I do not like cloth napkins, even in a very formal setting. I understand that it is customary and expected, but it bugs me. I feel like I’m wiping my mouth on my shirt. I like... (85 replies, last updated by soupkitten May 29, 2007)

I spent the Thanksgiving holiday with a friend who used cloth napkins, kept in rings, for our meals. This reminded me of a long-ago visit in Germany, where we kept our cloth napkins in fabric envelopes. Has anyone else used the... (1 reply, last updated by Fida December 5, 2005)

This works extremely well, Sherri! Good for casual. Also, with access to a sewing maching, one can purchase very high end linen cloth and simply do a rolled hem on the machine. Worthty of a formal table. Good linen napkins will... (20 replies, last updated by cayjohan January 24, 2008)

I would think that the thread count would either make it disposable or reusable. The higher the thread/weave the more likely you can reuse, and I would just wa gently in the machine, like a cloth napkin. I use some pretty cheap... (22 replies, last updated by omnidora October 24, 2009)

Today I had lunch at a nice resto near my office, and was left with the familiar white lint from the white cloth napkin all over the front of my black pants. It made me think about my recent trip to New Orleans – SO and I... (5 replies, last updated by akq February 5, 2009)

We had dinner at an upscale but not ultrafancy place Saturday night and we were asked if we wanted black napkins??? Hesitated in answering- not sure if it was some voodoo thing. The waiter said- oh so you don’t get lint on... (65 replies, last updated by sedonail April 14, 2008)

-Sonoma and Sur La Table. No luck. I’m going to try my local party supply store next, but I’m not holding my breath. I’m looking to buy some for a dinner party. I’m not yet at the point in life where I can... (9 replies, last updated by Funwithfood November 4, 2005)

that make common sense. If you leave it on the seat, a messy napkin might stain the seat of the chair and your clothes. I’m sure that fancy restaurant would appreciate stains on their $$$ material covered chair. Also, since... (13 replies, last updated by Shep August 19, 2005)

Nah, you do not have to go to such lengths, though I appreciate armpit or flannel filters, most any piece of clothing would work with the exception of Gore-Tex. I recommend athletic socks (it does not matter if they are dirty as... (13 replies, last updated by The Rogue April 20, 2002)

patterns, no one cares) real glassware (as much as is possible – cheap wineglasses are easy to find) stainless flatware (no one will notice if it’s mixed) Cloth napkins (admittedly, I’m not that hardcore for a... (2 replies, last updated by Sam Fujisaka August 22, 2008)

? Also Calgon water softener or Borax as detergent boosters when things smell a little sour. I use linen tea towels, bar mops, terrycloth and cotton kitchen towels as well as cloth napkins. Very few paper towels. About 1 load of... (17 replies, last updated by Patti Isaacs May 14, 2009)

I’ve read of both – but I leave my napkin on the table, to the left of the plate in that circumstance. One thought against putting it on your chair is that you may have something on the napkin that might get on the... (19 replies, last updated by 1 wiener hound July 28, 2005)

Tried Rose City Grille last night. It’s not perfect—e.g., I think restaurants should use cloth napkins rather than paper—but generally it was good for what it was and we’ll try it again. At least... (0 replies, last updated by ftrain July 7, 2007)

Clemente! I had baked salmon with steamed veggies. Quite fresh and tasty. Don’t go here if you’re looking for a white tablecloth and cloth napkins. The restaurant is inside a fish market. (3 replies, last updated by yehfromthebay May 4, 2007)