Are Paper Napkins Proper?

Paper products over a hundred years since this article was written have become much more attractive and durable. Some, like the pink printed napkins are paper, but feel like cloth. This tea table was suitably set for a child’s afternoon tea.

The question is sometimes asked whether or not it is in good form to serve paper napkins with refreshments at a social gathering. One would not find them at the homes of persons of means who could perfectly well afford to have damask napkins. However, since they are perfectly clean, inconspicuous and conveniently answer the purpose for which napkins were invented, it would be absurd to say they were not in good form. Paper napkins would be in far better form at a an entertainment where the use of damask napkins would mean an extravagance on the part of the hostess. Where paper napkins are used for a supper it is best to have those that are perfectly white. — Morning Union, 1917

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