Features and types
Single-use tableware is distinguished by material, occasion and size. Choosing well on these three parameters saves you time and makes your table more cohesive.
Paper and cellulose pulp
Paper plates and napkins are lightweight, easy to dispose of and printable with themed graphics. Ad Trend offers paper plates 18 cm and 23 cm with Christmas motifs in red and white (packs of 12 pcs), plus 21 cl assorted decorated paper cups. Products in cellulose pulp — such as the Brenta Classic plates 20×20 cm (pack of 50 pcs) — are biodegradable and compostable: they hold hot and moist food well without wilting, and end up in the organic bin.
Rigid plastic and transparent containers
Bigiemme is the reference brand for structured plastic. Transparent rectangular containers (15×12×19 cm) are ideal for finger food and dessert buffets. 5 cm plastic bases (available in pink) complete table arrangements. For those who want a more refined effect on cutlery, the metallized forks in gold, rose gold and silver Hammered finishes maintain the same robustness as standard versions — the finish is purely aesthetic.
Givi covers the cup segment with the Cover Cups 250 cc (white/metallic red, 8 pcs) and the Liberty Plates 27 cm with metallic red rim (8 pcs): large plates, suitable for main courses with abundant sauce.
Aluminium for cooking and serving
Contital offers single-use flat plates in white lacquered aluminium 218 mm and deep plates 210 mm (packs of 25 pcs), solid for soups, broths and hot dishes served directly from the stove. The C1G aluminium muffin liners (100 pcs) complete the line for pastry and bakery.
Themed lines: ceremonies and birthdays
Big Party (75 references in the catalogue) covers the largest part of the ceremonies and celebrations segment: napkins, cups and plates with coordinated graphics for christenings, birthdays and holidays. Bigiemme complements with themed birthday lines: the Paper Plates D 18 cm "1st Birthday Balloons" in light blue (8 pcs) and the Napkins "Birthday Balloons" 33×33 cm ( 20 pcs) pair together for a coordinated table effortlessly.
Seasonal lines: Christmas and New Year's Eve
Givi brings to the table the Happy Christmasseries: 250 cc cups (8 pcs) with festive graphics. Ad Trend completes with assorted paper plates and cups in red/white for the Christmas period. For those organising aperitifs and buffets during the holidays, Givi Cover cups in white/metallic red also work as an informal coordinated set for the festive meal. You'll find the entire seasonal selection also in the single-use Christmas section dedicated to the December-January period.
How to choose
Based on the occasion
For a christening or confirmation choose coordinated lines with themed graphics: Big Party and Givi offer plates, cups and napkins in the same design, so you don't have to match different brands. For a wedding or anniversary with many guests, Bigiemme metallized cutlery (gold, silver, rose gold) and rigid plastic transparent goblets guarantee a refined table effect without the risk of breakage. For children's birthdays there are Bigiemme themed lines with first birthday graphics in light blue. For Christmas and New Year's Eve Ad Trend and Givi graphics in red/white solve your table and décor in a single purchase.
If you're organising a complete ceremony, combine single-use tableware with party favours and table accessories available on Cupido&Co., which covers coordinated containers and details for weddings and christenings.
Based on material
If the event is outdoors or involves liquid and hot food, choose rigid plastic (Bigiemme, Givi): it handles moisture better. If you want to dispose of it in organic waste collection, opt for biodegradable cellulose pulp Brenta. Paper is suitable for desserts, appetisers and dry finger food.Aluminium Contital is the right choice when plates are used directly as a baking tray or hot serving dish.
To complete the table with glass or crystal glasses for home meals, also check the glasses and table accessories.
Based on plate size
- 18–20 cm: desserts, appetisers, finger food
- 21–23 cm: medium courses, aperitif, light mains
- 27 cm and above (e.g. Givi Liberty): first courses and mains with abundant sauce
Always check the number of pieces per pack before ordering: packs vary from 8 pcs (plates and cups) to 16–20 pcs (napkins) to 50–100 pcs (pulp and aluminium liners). Calculate the number of place settings to avoid ordering too much or too little.
Coordinated sets vs. single items
Buying plates, cups and napkins with the same theme simplifies set-up and guarantees colour consistency. Givi and Big Party already offer coordinated kits. If instead you're looking for plastic cups to match a tablecloth and cutlery already at home, the plates, cups and table accessories in the table section offer more formal options in glass and ceramic.
For those managing bars, restaurants or organising corporate events, L'Arcolaio also handles B2B supplies: the 5,000 sqm store in Pignataro Interamna (FR) — open Monday-Saturday 8:30–19:00, Sunday 10:00–19:00 — allows you to view and choose products in person before purchase.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between single-use paper and plastic tableware?
Paper tableware is lightweight and suitable for dry or low-fat foods; cellulose pulp products (such as Brenta Classic plates) are biodegradable and compostable. Rigid plastic ones — such as Bigiemme containers and cups or Givi Cover cups — offer greater resistance to liquids and hot food, but must be disposed of in the plastic waste collection.
Are cellulose pulp plates compostable?
Yes. Cellulose pulp plates (such as Brenta Classic flat plates 20×20 cm) are biodegradable and compostable, and represent a more sustainable choice compared to rigid plastic, without losing robustness 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 at least 23–27 cm is needed. Givi Liberty plates 27 cm with metallic rim are suitable for generous portions. Also consider the pack size relative to the number of place settings.
Are metallized cutlery as durable as standard plastic cutlery?
Yes. Bigiemme metallized forks — in gold, rose gold and silver Hammered finishes — have the same structure as standard versions. The metallic finish is aesthetic and does not reduce durability during use.
Do you find single-use items for event suppliers and venues?
Yes. Bigiemme, Givi and Big Party produce items in multiple packs suitable also for those managing on-site parties, catering or small restaurants. For large quantities, Gold Plast e Givi have collections dedicated to the professional sector, while Dopla covers tablecloths and complementary accessories for buffets and events.
