Disposable doilies are the perfect way to add a touch of sophistication to your tablescapes. No matter the event, the lace design of table doilies goes with any occasion, formal or informal. Doilies allow businesses such as bakeries and catering services to add elegance to food presentations in a cost-effective way. While most doilies look identical, they can have varying features. In this buying guide, we lay out the differentiating features doilies have to help you make an informed decision when purchasing them.
What Is The Purpose Of Doilies?
The foodservice industry uses doilies as decorative backdrops to display dishes or as chargers to protect tables from hot plates. They are typically made of paper or foil, making them easy to dispose of after use. They have intricately cut-out designs that mimic the look of crochet doilies.
Doily Materials
Paper and foil are the most common materials used to make disposable doilies. While they might not appear different, each gives off a distinct impression when you look at them closely.
Paper
These table doilies are typically made with a grease-resistant or greaseproof coating. This is why many restaurateurs like to use them as liners in take out boxes or display cases to avoid unsightly oil blotches. Paper doilies resist tears and are sturdy enough to hold small bites, making them easy to handle while enjoying snacks.
Foil
For a more upscale event, a foil doily is appropriate due to its high-quality look. What makes them so high-quality is their embossing and intricate designs. When shopping for these, make sure you find heavy-duty doilies because foil doilies are very delicate and can be challenging to separate from each other.
Doily Sizes
The great thing about doilies is that they come in all sizes. They can have a diameter as small as four inches or as large as 18 inches. The variety of sizes makes it easy to pick the doilies that best fit your dish. Here are the most common doily sizes and what they are used for.
4- To 6-Inch Diameter
Great for small, individual servings of fare, these doilies give your cupcakes, petit fours, and dessert cups a cute and elegant look. With these, you can elevate the perceived value of any dish.
8- To 12-Inch Diameter
If you want to take your displays to the next level, these doilies are designed for cakes, pies, multiple pieces of brownies, or as a charger for plates. These fit perfectly over cake stands and are large enough to leave the lace-pattern edges to stand out around your pastries. Put these in your display cases to charm your customers.
14- To 18-Inch Diameter
These large doilies can be used for cakes and as chargers, but are capable of more. These are big enough for cookie trays, to use as placemats, or to put under flower vases. Give your large pastries or centerpieces a sophisticated look.
Themed Doilies
While most doilies are round, some doilies are shaped as hearts, snowflakes, and more. Doilies that are not round are specially made for occasions such as holidays or anniversaries. Some might even have discernible shapes in their design, such as flowers or Christmas trees. No matter the shape, always make sure they fit the theme of your event and are the right size for the dish or item you are displaying.
Doily Colors
Traditionally, doilies are white because this allows them to match the colors of any environment. However, they are available in almost any other color such as pink, green, and red. Similar to themed doilies, these are made to fit a color scheme or match the decor of a holiday party. Because of their festive look, they are usually available in bright colors but can also come in dark colors such as gray and black. Pick the color that fits your needs!
A Little Goes A Long Way
What's so great about doilies is that they're a simple product, but make a big difference when included in your presentations. Simply place a pastry on top, and you instantly add charm, which guests will not overlook. While the classic white and round doily can fit any occasion, you can choose a more fitting, themed doily to make your presentations special. Just keep in mind the size of your fare and the theme of your party to pick the right one.
