White Linen Napkins

As I was dining out recently, I had an experience that I wanted to share with not only the restaurant industry, but planners who plan banquets as well. It was a great reminder for me. It seems like the fashion trend these days is to wear something black or dark-colored in nature. Men generally wear dark suit pants and women for centuries have loved their “little black dresses.” Why on earth would we continue to set tables using white linen napkins? I asked myself this question while I tried unsuccessfully, once again, to brush white napkin fuzz off of my dark blue dress after a business lunch.

I have rarely met a white linen napkin that didn’t leave white fuzz on my dark pants or skirt after a meal. I take pride in my appearance, as I suspect many of you, and roll my clothes with one of those sticky lint rollers to get any cat hair or random fuzz off of me before I leave the house. Why, then, would I want to wear white fuzz on my upper thighs all night as I dance the night away? And heaven forbid the night club has blue or black lighting. Now, my white fuzz is highlighted for all to see.

For an evening dinner or banquet, black linens provide a more formal appearance. Using a black or dark-colored accent napkin will make 99% of your guests very happy. If you choose to use white tablecloths as well as napkins, well that’s just cruel. Now not only do your dark-clothed guests have white fuzz on their thighs, they have it on their entire lower half, and if they are table elbow-leaners (sorry Grandma), on the underside of their forearms as well.

I dined at one restaurant that handled this issue seamlessly and with panache. As our party of four was seated, without missing a beat, the hostess laid a silverware roll with a white napkin in front of my three guests and a black-rolled set in front of me. Why? The other three had on light-colored pants and I was wearing a black skirt. There was no discussion, the hostess just made the decision on our way to the table. I actually made a mental note because I thought it was brilliant and we never gave lap fuzz another thought. Well done restaurant manager, well done.

This may sound like a subject that is “below the line” especially if you are short-staffed or pressed for time, but if you are aiming for excellence in your service, this is one of those little touches that make a big impact. If you prefer to don your banquet tables with white linen tablecloths or use white linen napkins, may I suggest a lint roller or two as the centerpiece for the evening.

Have you experienced the unfortunate lap fuzz? Have a funny story? Share it here or
email me! I’d love to hear from you!

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