The Surprisingly Juicy (and Slightly Weird) History of Napkins
For an object we use every single day, the humble napkin has had quite the dramatic past. It’s been edible, portable, fashionable, and occasionally controversial. And today, thanks to brands like Five Star Napkins, it’s finally getting the glow-up it deserves.
So pour a drink, unfold your favorite cotton napkin, and settle in — because napkins have a history way more interesting than anyone expects.
When Napkins Were… Dough?
Our story begins with the ancient Greeks, who apparently believed carbs could solve anything — including messy fingers. Early “napkins” were small pieces of dough used to wipe hands during meals. Practical? Yes. Delicious? Maybe. Hygienic? Hard to say.
Thankfully, dining evolved — and so did napkins.
Romans: The First Fancy Hosts
The Romans ditched dough and introduced proper cloth napkins. They even traveled with personal banquet cloths called mappas — part napkin, part crumb catcher, part ancient Tupperware. Guests often used them to carry leftovers home.
Yes, the Romans invented the doggy bag. Respect.
The Middle Ages: Chaos at the Table
After the fall of Rome, personal napkins disappeared for a while. People wiped their hands on:
- The tablecloth
- Their sleeves
- Whatever was nearby (scary!)
Eventually, individual napkins made their triumphant return — and became a sign of elegance among Europe’s wealthy families.
The Name “Napkin” Arrives
The word napkin comes from the French word nappe (tablecloth) plus the suffix -kin (little). Put together, it literally means “little tablecloth.”
A fitting name for something that quietly does all the work.
China Reinvents the Napkin (Again)
While Europe was ironing linen, China was revolutionizing paper. Early tea ceremonies used small paper squares — some of the earliest examples of paper napkins. These eventually spread across Asia and inspired Western paper napkins centuries later.
The Rise of the Modern Napkin
By the late 1800s, printed napkins became popular. Restaurants began branding them. Parties began theming them. Hosts began styling them.
And today? Napkins have become part function, part décor, part conversation starter — especially when they include witty printed quotes…
Where Five Star Napkins Fit Into This Ancient Story
After thousands of years, napkins have finally reached their greatest form: soft, 100% cotton, beautifully designed, and actually fun.
Five Star Napkins brings personality and charm to the table with premium cotton napkins featuring clever themes like:
- Whiskey Quotes — perfect for bourbon lovers and strong-drink storytellers.
- Champagne Quotes — bubbly energy for celebrations, toasts, and girls’ nights.
- Love Quotes — romantic, elegant, and ideal for date nights.
- Dog Quotes — for gatherings where pets are basically family.
Want to stock up for hosting season? Try the curated Cocktail Napkin Bundles for themed entertaining, or explore the full Quote Collection for every personality at your table.
Napkins Aren’t Just Practical — They’re Personality
Whether folded neatly, tucked under cutlery, or used as part of a tablescape, napkins are one of the easiest ways to add character to your meal.
Pair them with stylish placemats like these for an instantly elevated look:
- Black Cotton Placemats — versatile and timeless.
- Red Snowflake Cascade Placemats — perfect for the holiday season.
- Red Vichy Placemats — rustic charm for cozy gatherings.
A 3,000-Year Journey to Your Dinner Table
From dough to linen to paper to the modern cotton napkin, this tiny square of fabric has been part of human meals for thousands of years. It’s protected tunics, caught crumbs, wiped faces, carried leftovers, signaled status, and added style to tables across cultures and eras.
Today, thanks to thoughtful design and premium materials, napkins are more beautiful — and more fun — than ever before.
And if the ancient Greeks could see your table now? They’d probably say:
“Finally, a napkin you don’t have to eat.”