Tasteful pieces and neutral tones at your table can, of course, be chic and wonderful! But sometimes you need a little something extra to take you out of your comfort zone. (It’s like when conservatively dressed men talk about how they inject personality into their outfits with colorful, patterned socks.) Cloth napkins can be that something.
Here is a lineup of cloth napkins with prints ranging from subtle to substantial. Some are suitable for everyday use, others for special occasions. Most can go from the picnic table to the dining room come Fall. Don’t be afraid to take some chances or (gasp!) even clash a little.
Cloth Napkins Add Personality to Your Table
Caskata
This brand has so many adorable options it’s difficult to pick just one. Patterns range from tasteful geometrics to lobsters, octopi, birds, and more.
John Derian
The New York-based owner of a row of spectacular stores on the Lower East Side has a particular eye for cloth napkins that look as if they’re family treasures. 
Libeco Home
Founded in 1858, Libeco weaves all of its cloth napkins in its native Belgium, and the products are heirloom quality. The company is even CO2 neutral.
Food52
Every one of the napkins from Food52 looks like something you’d see at the home of a friend that has exquisite taste—you’ll want to buy everything!
Serena & Lily
This French-inspired brand offers cloth napkins for your home that capture that elusive mood that’s both elegant and fun at the same time.
Story by Stephen Treffinger
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