Disposable Tableware and Accessories

Types and materials

Single-use tableware is distinguished primarily by its material, which determines its resistance, appearance and disposal.

Biodegradable paper and cellulose

Paper plates and napkins are lightweight, printable with register graphics and suitable for dry or low-fat foods. Givi offers 21 cm plates with christening patterns in the New Liberty Il Mio Battesimoline, available in light blue and pink, with matching 250 cc glasses and 33×33 cm napkins. Big Party completes the offer with 25×25 cm paper napkins in the Christening Bearversion, in pink or light blue. Cellulose pulp products are biodegradable and compostable: a concrete choice for those who want to reduce the environmental impact of the event without sacrificing sturdiness.

Rigid plastic and metallic finishes

Bigiemme is the leading brand for quality plastic. The transparent Martini glasses (D 16 cm, H 25 cm) and the Margarita glasses (D 16 cm, H 24 cm) are ideal for standing receptions, buffets and cocktail bars. For those who want a decorative touch on cutlery, the gold metallic forks 19 cm long (pack of 24 pcs) and the silver Hammered forks maintain the same sturdiness as the standard versions, adding a visual effect close to real cutlery. Bigiemme transparent containers — round (15×11 cm) or vase-shaped (23×11 cm) — complete the buffet for finger food and desserts.

Christmas and seasonal lines

For Christmas and New Year, Givi offers the Happy New Year Clock Whiteline: 23 cm plates and 250 cc glasses with white clock graphics. The Joyeux Noël series (21 cm plates, 33×33 cm napkins with 16 pcs per pack) brings a sober Christmas aesthetic to your table. ARPIMEX offers the Elegance Paper Roll in green, 1 metre wide and 20 metres long, useful for covering tables and counters during celebrations. You'll find these options also in the section dedicated to Christmas single-use tableware, with the entire seasonal selection.

How to choose the right single-use tableware

Based on the occasion

For a christening or communion, Givi New Liberty lines with floral patterns in light blue or pink and Big Party napkins with bears coordinate well with the classic ceremony theme. For a wedding or anniversary with many guests, Bigiemme metallic cutlery (gold, silver, rose gold Hammered) and transparent plastic glasses guarantee a refined table effect without the risk of breakage. For a children's birthday you'll find character-themed lines (detail from category description) with complete coordinated sets. For Christmas and New Year, Givi lines and the ARPIMEX roll solve table and decoration in one go.

Based on material and sustainability

If the event is outdoors or involves liquid and hot foods, choose rigid plastic Bigiemme: it withstands moisture better. If you want to dispose of everything in organic waste collection, opt for biodegradable cellulose pulp. Paper napkins are suitable for every context and produce less volume in landfill compared to plastic.

Based on plate size

Plates 18–20 cm are suitable for desserts, appetisers and finger food. The 21–23 cm plates (such as Givi New Liberty christening and Givi Joyeux Noël) cover medium courses. For main courses and dishes with abundant dressing, at least 23–27 cm is needed. Also consider quantity: many packs contain 8 pcs, some napkins 16 pcs — calculate the number of place settings before ordering.

Coordinated sets vs. individual pieces

Many brands offer plates, glasses and napkins of the same theme: buying them together simplifies table setting and guarantees colour consistency. Givi New Liberty christening, for example, comes paired with plates, 250 cc glasses and scalloped napkins, all in the same colour palette.

When planning a ceremony with party favours, pair the single-use tableware with Maxtris confetti to complete the table with a delicious and coordinated detail.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between single-use paper and plastic tableware?

Paper tableware is generally biodegradable, lightweight and suitable for dry or low-fat foods. Rigid plastic ones — such as Bigiemme glasses and containers — offer greater resistance to liquids and food, but require separate disposal in plastic waste.

Are cellulose pulp plates compostable?

Yes. Cellulose pulp plates are biodegradable and compostable, and represent a more sustainable choice compared to plastic, without losing sturdiness during service.

How do I choose the right size for single-use plates?

For appetisers and desserts, 18–20 cm plates are sufficient. For main courses, 23–27 cm plates are needed. Givi New Liberty christening packs of 21 cm are suitable for medium courses such as aperitivo, ceremony desserts and small second courses.

Are Bigiemme metallic forks as resistant as standard ones?

Yes. Bigiemme metallic forks — gold finish, rose gold or silver Hammered — have the same structural sturdiness as standard plastic versions. The finish is purely aesthetic and does not affect durability during use.

Can I find coordinated sets for christening or wedding?

Yes. Givi offers coordinated sets with plates, glasses and napkins of the same theme (e.g. New Liberty Il Mio Battesimo in light blue or pink). Bigiemme offers matching cutlery and glasses for more formal ceremonies. For a complete shopping experience, at L'Arcolaio you'll find all categories for ceremonies, from tableware to seasonal decorations.

L'Arcolaio's selection includes products from Bigiemme, Givi, Big Party and ARPIMEX brands, in various price ranges, materials and styles, to cover informal parties, formal ceremonies and seasonal celebrations.