What's the best part about cocktail napkins (besides their obvious and basic functions, of course)?

They are a simple, inexpensive and fun way to jazz up your beverages and the party table. And these days, cocktail napkins extend far beyond plain colors. Many have ornate designs, monograms, kitschy and fun sayings and so much more. Added bonus: many times there are other matching paper goods to go with them to complete the look.

So put away those boring white napkins and check out these options to make your cocktail party look fabulous.

Local ideas

Metropolitan Market (Proctor District, Tacoma)

This hip, urban market boasts a wide selection of beautiful cocktail napkins, with matching dinner napkins, paper dessert plates and paper dinner plates, to boot. Whether it's a modern and lavish gold-gilded design, an elaborate traditional design or something completely unexpected, these napkins are worth the splurge. 2420 N. Proctor St., Tacoma

Party World (Tacoma)

This party store has been serving locals since the late ‘70s and doesn't miss a beat when it comes to napkins. This large, two-story store features an enormous selection of napkins to suit all your whims and wants. From the simple to the most festive, they have you covered (and not just for the holidays - for any occasion). 1565 Center St., Tacoma

Celebrations ... The Party Store (Lacey)

For the large-scale party or a more intimate affair, this terrific store literally has a virtual rainbow of colored napkins, with a wide variety of other matching paper goods as well. Shop in store or online. 4614 Lacey Blvd. S.E. or celebrationsstore.com  

Other ideas:

Etsy (online)

Looking for something hand-made and from a small business? Simply type in a search for "napkins" and you will be presented with literally thousands of options - from custom made, vintage, decorative or monogrammed. Etsy.com

Pinterest (online)

Are you a Pinterest user? Search for "cocktail napkins" and you will see hundreds of pins, ideas and inspiration for all occasions. Pinterest.com

Party City (various locations)

Party City has napkins and lots more. They also feature a multitude of other party supplies as well. Available online or in Federal Way, Puyallup and Olympia. Visit their website at partycity.com for products and store locations.

Cost Plus World Market and Pier 1 Imports (various locations)

These stores both have affordable and unique paper goods. Available online and at various locations. Cost Plus World Market has stores located in Tacoma and Olympia. Visit them at worldmarket.com for more details. Pier 1 Imports is located in Tacoma, Lakewood, Gig Harbor, Federal Way and Olympia. See their website at pier1.com for more information.