The best cocktail napkins for party season

Cocktail hour just got cheeky with these hand-embroidered Taf Firenze napkins. Made in Florence, the Taf Firenze family have been specialists in hand embroidery for over a hundred years, often known for their characterful designs.

These exquisitely hand-embroidered cocktail napkins bring a quiet sense of ceremony to the table – a refined detail for hosts who value craft and tradition. Each piece is meticulously finished using time-honoured techniques, with a classic double hemstitch that speaks to both durability and discreet luxury. The passion flower motif, rendered in tonal white-on-white embroidery, offers subtle texture rather than contrast, sitting harmoniously alongside muted ceramics or natural linens. Though described as true white, the dense linen has a soft, off-white hue that feels warm and timeless – an elegant gift or enduring addition to any considered tablescape.

Having been both an interior designer and a fashion designer and making it to the grand old age of 102, Iris Apfel's likeness on these sweet cocktail napkins feels somehow fitting for an object used to enliven your home. Her signature flamboyance is captured in beautiful embroidery. More than anything, we found they proved as a great talking point. Guests loved the opportunity to discuss one of this decade’s most cherished women and an icon of design.

These neat little squares have crisply stitched edges for a pleasingly precise finish – preferable in practicality to linen alternatives which can get ruffled more easily. We liked that they were tidy and flat and didn’t require laborious ironing or prep. The spectrum of colours used is mixed and matched throughout the designs for cohesion yet easy differentiation when they’re in use, and the pop of red feels contemporary and unexpected in a welcome way.

While standard cocktail napkins are 15x15cm, the designers at Rebecca Udall demonstrate a keen eye for detail with their slightly expanded version. These sit at 15 x 22cm, which allows for a cocktail to sit side-by-side with a canapé or small snack. It might seem like a trivial note, but in practical terms it makes a big difference to the ease of use for you or your guests. The light but slubby linen ensured drinks sat plum to flat surfaces during testing, but the texture is still able to be appreciated. We thought the soft khaki artichoke colour was a versatile tone, but other options include sky blue, a crisp white and a buff taupe - all of which work well together if you like a mix-and-match look.

Daylesford's napkins are made from pure linen by artisans in India and are also available with a negroni, margarita or gin & tonic motif. Chic and affordable, these would make a great stocking filler. We found that they may need an iron before use.

Rectangular in shape, these are a great buy if you do a lot of hosting that goes beyond just drinks, offering up space for guests to rest a canapé or two, too. Undeniably chic, the black and white contrast is a combination that will stand the test of time, while the unexpected jaggy edge adds interest and a spirited touch. These have been made by the same company since 1880 in Spain, and are crafted from pure linen for a traditional look and feel. Even from a distance you can tell they’re well made. With a nice weight to them, they are just the thing to bring a sophisticated edge to parties.

What better accompaniment to cocktail hour than oysters? These fun little handmade napkins are crafted from 100% European linen. Their unique silhouette brings a touch of whimsy to your tabletop, while the fine linen keeps things delightfully elevated. 

Every one of these cocktail napkins are unique in their design thanks to being made in a way that also reduces waste going to landfill: They’re the offcuts from French linen tablecloths. The fabric is of a beautiful quality, with the richness of European-grade thread. Geometry is always inviting, and the box lines on these felt like a fitting design to pop a glass down on, making a centrepiece of drinks while keeping surfaces protected in a practical but pretty way. Lean into the unexpected red theory in an easily digestible format with these mini artworks that double up as cocktail napkins.

There’s no denying that sardines (and all canned fish, for that matter) are having a moment. Infinitely more suave than their tinned counterparts, these cheerfully embroidered napkins nod to the trend in a nicely non-literal way. Painstakingly cut around the shape of each fish, there’s exquisite detailing on the edges that adds interest and dynamism. The jolly colour scheme is just enough to bring a touch of revelry without things becoming gimmicky. They are also well designed so that guests can distinguish their own glass easily, and they’re made from a good, absorbent linen to balance style and substance.