Cloth Napkins

The rare and easily accessible household object that combines function and beauty (or whimsy, or both), I'm a stan for little cloth towels/napkins whether they are Japanese tenugui, part of sets, stray dish cloths from Trader Joe's, or somewhere farther afield.

Originally inspired by dinner at a Parisian friend's family home probably a decade ago, we started using little cloths for pretty much everything in the kitchen and dining room. Sure, avoiding paper towels is nice for the environment, but it also feels luxuriant and brings touches of intention to meals and beyond. By intention, I mean that I get to choose which cloth I'm going to use every few days. Here's to low-stakes, inconsequential choices!

Pro tip: For cleaning, get a packet of 12 x 12 (or similar size) diaper cloths. They are hardy and absorbent, ideal for wiping down surfaces and cleaning spills even when they don't come from a baby. Plus, they last for years!