Research work “Paper napkin: a familiar stranger”

Table setting

03/22/2018 Olga Bilovitskaya

Serving cutlery is important - it can create a festive atmosphere on an ordinary day. You can complement the table decor with the help of multi-colored napkins folded in the form of various geometric shapes or flowers. You can do this yourself using office supplies. In this article, we will look at how to use napkins for table settings to surprise your guests not only with delicious dishes, but also with unique decor.

Etiquette rules for serving and using napkins

If this is your first time planning table decor, beautifully serving paper napkins, then the first thing you need to do is figure out how to use this element correctly:

• According to generally binding etiquette standards, fabric models are usually placed behind the collar or placed on the knees.

• Whether it is a fabric, paper or knitted napkin, it should be taken only after the owner of the house. At the end of the feast, it is forbidden to put the product on the plate.

• A cloth handkerchief is best suited to be placed on your lap (if you have left the table, just leave it to the right of your plate or on the back of your chair).

• Excessive use of scarves is not encouraged at the festive table. This is worth remembering at banquets, business meetings and official events.

Equipment for the production of napkins

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To organize the production process, one automated line with a saturation chamber, a cutting knife and a packaging and sealing knife is sufficient. Such a line fully meets the needs of the technological process and its control at all stages.

Mainly, equipment manufacturers are China and Turkey, and to a lesser extent Russia and Ukraine. There is one significant drawback - the rather high price. The most minimal line with a productivity of 20 packages per minute costs 20-25 thousand dollars. A 12-stream high-power line costs about 250 thousand dollars.

To save money at the start, you can purchase used equipment; it will be much cheaper. Beginning entrepreneurs often rent equipment with subsequent purchase, this allows them to start production with minimal investment.

What color of paper napkins should I choose?

Most designers agree that multi-colored tablecloths, selected in accordance with the overall color scheme, are a universal way to serve the table. Plain handkerchiefs are suitable for a tea table or business lunch. If you have chosen a tablecloth of a rich, deep shade, then the table service should be done in white and beige tones. When choosing the color of paper napkins for the table, you should take into account the setting of cutlery, the theme of the feast, as well as the color of the tablecloth and dishes.

White napkins will look harmonious with any table decoration. When choosing bright shades, take into account the impact of colors on a person’s emotional state - red and yellow tones give joy, and blue and green tones set the mood for a business conversation.

Using a colored tablecloth in combination with white paper napkins is one of the easiest ways to quickly decorate a holiday table, solemnly welcome guests and delight them with delicious dishes.

Recently, textiles have increasingly begun to be used to decorate the table during a home feast. Housewives prefer products with thematic inscriptions or slogans, such as “Happy Birthday”, “Happy New Year”, “Happy Holidays”.

In cafes and other public institutions you can find handmade scarves with an embroidered company logo. It looks very stylish, original and creates a special atmosphere.

Raw materials for production

The basis for the production of paper napkins is made from a mixture of cellulose and recycled waste paper by beating the crushed and liquid raw materials in a special mixer. Then the mass is formed into a paper strip, dried on heated drums, cut and wound into rolls. The result is a workpiece characterized by a certain thickness (depending on the brand), softness, friability and porosity, i.e. those qualities that are necessary for the comfortable use of napkins.

Depending on the initial qualities of the raw material, paper for making napkins may differ in density, degree of whiteness, and percentage of components. In addition, the base can be a natural color or thickly dyed. On request, you can buy “blanks” with a pattern from some suppliers. It is natural that all of the above affects the price of raw materials. On average, it is 35-60 thousand rubles per ton.

The base paper for the production of paper napkins varies by brand. The best of them are brands “A” and “B”. You can reduce the cost of napkins by concluding a supply agreement directly with the manufacturer of raw materials. By the way, many companies that manufacture equipment for the production of napkins, along with the main production, are engaged in the production of base. As an example, we can cite such enterprises as “Syasky Pulp and Paper Mill” (syas.ru). You can also establish cooperation with foreign companies, but their products will cost more.

In addition to the base itself, to make napkins you will need printing ink (for applying patterns and logos), as well as polyethylene or polypropylene for packaging goods.

DIY serving napkins

Textiles have long been used to decorate home interiors. Even an ordinary white tablecloth can transform a table set for dinner and bring coziness to a family feast. This decorative element performs not only an aesthetic, but also a practical function.

Fabric option

Every housewife should be able to decorate the table in an interesting way for the arrival of guests. We will look at how to easily sew napkins with your own hands and fold them beautifully for table setting. First of all, you should prepare all the necessary materials and tools that may be needed during the work.

To make a fabric napkin for serving table we will need:

• scissors;
• cotton, linen or artificial fabrics;
• pins of different sizes;
• skein of thread for basting;
• sewing machine;
• iron.

Related article: Table setting ideas at home: options for different occasions | +88 photos

The sewing process is as follows:

1. The dimensions of the product can be very different, in this case it is a square of 50 by 50 cm. Once you have decided on the parameters, mark them with a pencil on the fabric and draw the contours.
2. Now open out the desired part and bend one of the edges by 7 mm. Repeat the action three more times and iron all the corners around the perimeter of the resulting square.
3. Next, you need to make a second fold - to do this, turn one side a centimeter and smooth it with an iron. Do this with the adjacent side of the square, then walk around the entire perimeter of the future napkin.
4. Each corner needs to be unfolded and a line carefully drawn from the lower left corner to the upper right corner (diagonally). Repeat with the three remaining sides.
5. The drawn lines will help you cut the fabric evenly at the four corners. Fold those edges of the fabric that are located on both sides of the cut corner into the center. Smooth the top of the corner towards the center and make a second fold along the ironed lines.
6. We sew all folds with a basting stitch around the perimeter of the product. The edges should be smoothed using a regular straight seam on a sewing machine.

In the video: how to treat a corner on a tablecloth or napkin.

Crochet napkin set

Knitted napkins in a ring for table setting or individually create an atmosphere of well-being and comfort in the living room or dining room. Any novice craftswoman can knit such a product. By making home decorations with your own hands, you get pleasure from everyday little things. After all, a family dinner should be different from a lunch snack or breakfast on the run.

Crocheted napkins look elegant and homey. They are suitable for both holidays and everyday life.

It is not necessary to choose the most intricate napkin patterns, because they will be almost completely hidden under the plates. However, it wouldn’t hurt to starch the products so that they don’t lose their shape after the first feast.

The set of serving napkins for the tea table includes one large and six small handmade items. For production we used SOSO yarn (two skeins of white and dark brown) and a 1.5 Clover hook.

When knitting tightly, as shown in the example, there is no need to starch the finished product. The photo below shows a knitting pattern - it is suitable for a beginner level.

In the video: a beautiful crocheted napkin in 10 minutes.

Serving with cloth napkins

Today there are two types of napkins - paper and fabric. The latter are usually used to protect clothes from crumbs and stains, while paper products are intended to wipe lips. Modern trends are aimed at the widespread introduction of fabric models; they look more elegant and will last you much longer than their paper counterparts.

Here are some popular patterns for folding a fabric napkin:

• Megaphone is a very simple way to decorate a paper or fabric napkin. First of all, you need to fold the product in half and repeat this action again in the same direction, as shown in Figure 2. Bend the corners of the resulting narrow rectangle down and twist the figure into a “ball”. Finally, connect the two parts of the “bags” to each other.

• The Southern Cross is an interesting and very simple fabric napkin layout that will fit perfectly into the decor of the dining table. Turn the product to the wrong side and bend all the corners to the center, observing the order. Then turn the canvas over and do the same. Repeat the action again and pull out first the upper right corner, and then all the other corners.

• A junk is an unusual form of serving napkin, which is also sometimes called a “swan”. Fold the product in half so that the fold is on the right. Then fold the rectangle again and fold the bottom half diagonally upward. Bend the left and right corners up, and move the protruding parts down. Next, you need to roll the fabric back along the longitudinal axis, pulling out its edges one by one.

Related article: Setting the table with taste: selection of dishes, cutlery and accessories [stylish sets]

On video: 5 ways to beautifully fold fabric napkins.

How to beautifully fold napkins into a glass?

As we have already said, there are a large number of types of napkin designs. The simplest, but no less elegant, are the methods in which the handkerchief is placed in a wine glass, glass or glass. Thus, the product does not take up much space on the table and looks neat and unusual. The two most commonly used technologies are “horn” and “tulip”, you can see them in the photo below.

Advertising wet wipes

Although this business is in demand and promising, and demand for it will grow in the next 5-10 years, especially in regions remote from the Center, competition among manufacturers in this segment is nevertheless high.

Therefore, to successfully conduct business, you need to constantly look for new markets, and this means the need for serious organization of advertising, for which from the very beginning you need to budget from 70 to 100 thousand rubles per month.

Methods for arranging napkins in a napkin holder

Napkins and other textiles are universal elements of holiday table decor. In order for the attributes of the feast to retain their original shape, it is necessary to use special devices. Now in stores you can find all kinds of accessories for table setting - rings, holders, ribbons and napkin holders. The latter can be of various sizes, plain or with patterns. Learning how to correctly fold napkins into a napkin holder is not at all difficult; later we will talk about this in more detail.

Single and double fan

A classic way to decorate a table is to fold paper napkins into a fan. The simplicity of this design does not seem ordinary, especially if the napkin has geometric patterns or is plain, but in bright colors. However, single and double fans are not suitable for colorful fabrics, since all their beauty will simply be lost in the folds.

To fold napkins this way, you must follow these steps:

• Fold each napkin diagonally into a square so that you end up with a symmetrical triangle;

• Arrange the napkins in the napkin holder first in one direction and then in the opposite direction. This way you will get a double fan.

Bird with a colorful tail

The original shape is trapezoid. To bring this idea to life, you will need paper napkins in red, yellow, white and blue shades. The trapezoidal shape will serve as the basis for the tail of our “firebird”. The completed composition must be placed in a holder, alternating colors in a suitable order. Next we make the head and neck of the bird: roll the blue fabric into a tube and bend the tip. Add the missing piece to the napkin holder.

This table decoration looks creative and is perfect for a children's party.

Double-sided waterfall in a cup

Another good table decoration option is to place napkins in the dishes. For this purpose, you can use a stable ceramic cup of small height. What to do with napkins? The answer is simple: unfold once and fold in half twice. We lay out the canvases one after another, bend them in the middle, thereby leaving the center of the cup empty.

Multi-colored napkin models with unusual patterns will look especially impressive.

Wet wipes with logo

Along with the release of your own products, you can take orders from third parties for the production of branded napkins. This type of product is now in great demand in hotels, restaurants, and cafes. And some companies make branded gifts for employees and clients in this way.

If you intend to dive deeply into this type of business, it would be advisable to hire a graphic designer who will create unique new models for both napkins and packaging. Over time, this type of income may become the main one or take a significant place in the total volume of production.

Beautiful figures from napkins for serving

For many, placing serving napkins in the center of the plate is classic. This technique is widely used to decorate banquet and buffet tables. Skilled craftswomen can create a real work of art with a simple napkin. It's not as difficult as it might seem; you just need a little patience and a desire to experiment. Flowers made from napkins are always in place, and making them is not difficult. You can use the famous origami technology by simply replacing paper with fabric.

Lily

To make a lily, fold the product diagonally and carefully smooth out all the corners. Connect the right and left corners with the top of the triangle, then bend the napkin in half horizontally. Finally, decorate the petals and leaves by turning the top triangle out.

Lotus

The lotus can rightfully be considered the most difficult napkin figure to make. On the website https://sdelala-sama.ru/2658-lotos-iz-bumazhnyh-salfetok.html you can find detailed instructions on how to make a lotus from paper napkins with your own hands, as well as educational video materials. If you wish, you can exchange comments with other visitors and learn unusual ways to decorate the table. Below is a diagram for folding multi-colored napkins into a lotus inflorescence.

Herringbone

To make a Christmas tree for table setting, take a deep green napkin. Roll it into a square, then divide all five corners into five layers and alternately bend them towards the middle. Turn the figure over to the opposite side and fold all ends of the napkin symmetrically, one under the other. This decoration will look natural during the Christmas holidays.

Related article: Style and color are the main components of a beautiful table setting

The finished product can be supplemented with a bright star, sparkles, snowflakes or multi-colored ribbons.

Handbag

This is the simplest design option for a fabric serving napkin. The initial form is a napkin folded vertically with a fold on the right. Now fold it in half from bottom to top and fold the top two layers of the left corner towards the center. The upper right corner also folds towards the center. Bend the resulting triangle down and fold the remaining corners towards the middle. The second triangle is thereby superimposed on the first. Use the instructions in the picture below.

heart

For Valentine's Day, decorate the table with heart-shaped napkins. Making them is not difficult at all - for this you will need red or pink paper napkins. Form a triangle, place the left and then the right corner on the top and turn the shape over. Bend the top part down, turn part of the bottom layer left and right diagonally. Next, you need to alternately remove the small corners on the right and left inside, giving the napkin a heart shape.

Fan in a ring

This option is most suitable for the classic style of table setting. Flatten the napkin and place it face down. Next, you need to give it an “accordion” shape - to do this, bend the product in half in the middle. That's all, the fan is ready. Now you can decorate the table with it by placing it on a special holder or placing it in a glass. And don't forget to straighten the fan after placing it in the right place.

If you are planning to decorate the living room for a children's party or a romantic dinner, then you can make a “firebird” based on a fan. However, for this you will need multi-colored napkins with bright patterns.

Horizontal sachet

Fold the napkin in half with the right side facing inward. When unfolding the canvas, make sure that the fold is located at the bottom. Bend one third of the top layer down and turn the product over to the opposite side. Fold the two sides so that they meet together and fold the napkin again.

Diagonal sachet

To make a diagonal sachet, fold the napkin in four and fold back the first layer of fabric by 5 centimeters, repeat the action. Do the same with the second layer, tucking the corner under the diagonal roller and forming a small roller (up to 2.5 centimeters). Fold the fabric over the top and bottom and decorate the table with it as you wish.

Envelope for devices

For the envelope, you will need a small three-ply serving napkin. Fold the product in half with the wrong side out, so that the fold is located at the bottom. Fold back a third of the first layer and fold the side edges towards the center (they should touch each other at the back), repeat the operation again.

The use of napkins for table setting will not surprise anyone for a long time, because everyone can buy beautiful textiles in the store. If you are just planning to throw a festive dinner for several dozen guests or just want to surprise your family, then you have time to learn how to make interesting shapes and flowers from napkins. Don’t stop at one design option and then you will certainly end up with an unusual composition.

Original ways to fold paper napkins (3 videos)

Different options for table setting with napkins (60 photos)

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Who invented wet wipes

The idea was truly brilliant! Who first came up with it?

We read the answer on Wikipedia: wet wipes appeared in the early 70s, and the first manufacturer was the Kimberly-Clark company.

According to another version, wet wipes were invented by JHThompson.

Since then, wet wipes have become firmly rooted in the everyday life of all countries and peoples, and every year their production and range are expanding more and more.

Approximate calculation of a business plan

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Start-up costs will be 2.15 million rubles.

Professional business plans on the topic:

• Business plan for the production of wet wipes (39 sheets) - DOWNLOAD ⬇
• Spunbond business plan (35 sheets) - DOWNLOAD ⬇
• Business plan for the production of toilet paper (36 sheets) - DOWNLOAD ⬇

The line capacity is 20 packages, 20 pieces per minute. During a work shift we will produce 20x60x6=7200 packs. For a month with 22 working days 158400 pack.

When purchasing in bulk, the average price of one package is 15 rubles. During the month, products were produced for 15x158400 = 2.376 million rubles.