Choosing Between Cups, Napkins And Plates
Custom catering products provide organisations with an opportunity to extend branding into food service and hospitality environments. The range includes Napkins, Cups, dessert cups, paper plates and plastic plates. These products are commonly used at cafés, restaurants, food trucks, exhibitions, conferences and special events where refreshments are served.
Unlike many promotional products that are retained after an event, catering products are designed to support a specific customer interaction. This places branding directly in front of guests while they are eating, drinking or participating in an event, making the category particularly popular for hospitality and food-related promotions.
Are printed cups or printed napkins better for cafés?Printed cups are often the preferred choice because they travel with the customer and remain visible throughout the drinking experience. Printed napkins are commonly added to reinforce branding across counters, tables and food service areas.
Should I choose paper plates or plastic plates?The choice depends on the intended use. Paper plates are commonly used for casual events, food stalls and community functions, while plastic plates are often selected when greater rigidity and durability are required.
Can catering products be printed in full colour?Many catering products support full-colour printing, although the available decoration methods vary between products. Cups, napkins and plates may have different printing limitations depending on the material and production process.
What artwork works best on printed napkins?Simple logos, short messages and bold designs generally produce the best results. Because napkins are often folded before use, branding is usually most effective when key elements remain visible in a compact area.
What catering products are best for large events?Printed cups and printed napkins are often the most popular choices because they combine broad usability with strong branding visibility. They can be distributed easily and used by a large number of attendees throughout an event.
Should I choose single-ply, 2-ply or 3-ply napkins?Single-ply napkins are commonly used for high-volume takeaway and casual food service applications where cost efficiency is important. 2-ply napkins provide a thicker feel and improved absorbency, making them popular for cafés, functions and hospitality venues. 3-ply napkins are typically selected for restaurants, weddings, corporate functions and premium events where presentation is a higher priority.
Sales Tip: Consider how the product will be handledA tip from Anne on our sales team:
A logo placed on a cup that is constantly being held may receive more attention than a larger logo on a product that spends most of its time stacked or stored. How the product is used can be just as important as the size of the branding area.
Matching The Product To The Service Environment
Different catering products are designed for different hospitality and event settings. Printed cups are often selected for takeaway beverages and festivals, while branded napkins remain popular with cafés, restaurants and corporate functions. Paper and plastic plates provide additional branding opportunities where food service is involved, and factors such as napkin ply, cup construction and print requirements can influence the final choice. By considering how the products will be used during service, organisations can select catering items that support both the customer experience and their branding objectives. If you'd like a recommendation, just reach out — we know this range well.
