Setting a pretty dining table is not just about choosing the right dishes and cutlery, it’s about adding special touches that make each meal special. Probably one of the easiest yet most impressive ideas to make any dinner table look special is napkin folding. A folded napkin adds refinement, romance, or taste of any kind to a table setting. From special occasions through the holidays to just a simple Sunday brunch, a few unique napkin folds will make dining just that much more special and impress your guests.
This article discusses below the seven ways to fold a cloth napkin from casual to more formal.
Envelope Napkin Fold
Envelope Napkin Fold is a fantastic way to elevate your dining table. It is easy, and also so classy, to turn the ordinary cloth napkin into this envelope style. It even has practical uses like holding greeting cards and menus or even cutlery, and place cards for your guests. Here’s a step-by-step on how to create this elegant fold.
Step 1: Lay a square cloth napkin flat on a clean surface.
Step 2: Fold the napkin diagonally. Bring one corner to meet the opposite corner to form a triangle.
Step 3: Take both bottom corners of the triangle and fold them up to the top point of the triangle. The edges should just overlap a bit in the middle.
Step 4: Fold down toward the center of the triangle on the top edge of the napkin. Press with an iron for a clean, sharp edge.
Step 5:Fold the base of the triangle up. It should meet the folded corner of the napkin.
Step 6: Now you can place your utensils in this pocket that is created by the folds.
Step 7: To seal and close the envelope form, fold the last pointed edge towards you.
Christmas Tree Fold
This holiday season set up a special holiday table with a napkin folded into the shape of a Christmas tree. You can go traditional with deep green and blingy gold, or even have some fun with colors like teal and pink to coordinate with your holiday decor. It may look a little difficult, but it’s quite easy to create the tiered look of a Christmas tree. Follow these simple steps, and with this beautiful, festive napkin fold, you will be sure to impress at the dinner table.
Step 1: Start with a large square napkin, lay it flat, and smooth the surface.
Step 2: Fold the napkin in half once to form a rectangle. Then, fold it in half again to create a smaller square.
Step 3: At the open end, now featuring four layers of the napkin, fold each corner upwards. This will create a layered triangle.
Step 4: Turn the napkin over so that you are looking at it from the back.
Step 5: Fold in the right edge of the napkin towards the center line. Then, fold in the left edge, aligning the edges.
Step 6: Turn the napkin over once more, and you should see a shape resembling a tree, with a point at the top.
Step 7: For each layer of the triangle, tuck the bottom point under. This will create a straight edge.
Step 8: Finally, fold the bottom of the napkin upwards to form the base of the tree.
Rose Fold
Give that extra special touch to each guest at your table by creating an elegant rose-shaped napkin for each one. This fold works well on cloth napkins, which need to be ironed first to rid them of any wrinkles. This rosefold is refined enough for either tea, date night, Valentine’s Day, or just a simple but nice meal. Follow this easy step-by-step process to create this lovely napkin fold:
Step 1: Place a large square napkin flat on a surface.
Step 2: Fold the napkin in half diagonally. This will form a triangle.
Step 3: Roll the napkin up from the long end of the triangle about halfway.
Step 4: Turn the napkin sideways and keep rolling until you get to the end. Leave the last 2-3 inches unrolled.
Step 5: Take the tail end of the roll. Tuck it into the roll you have just made
Step 6: Flip the napkin and arrange the exposed tails to resemble leaves.
Ribbon Bow Napkin
Want to add a bit of playfulness to the table? The folded ribbon bow napkin is an excellent choice. It is simple in design and takes hardly any time, so it is suitable for nearly every setting and occasion. The nice bow is also held center by a napkin ring, ribbon, or any other decorative piece. These cute little bows are made from napkins in just eight easy steps with a little rubber band help.
Step 1: Lay the napkin flat and fold it diagonally to create a triangle.
Step 2: Fold the point of the triangle towards the long side of the napkin. Press the fold to ensure it holds its shape.
Step 3: Fold the napkin in half. Bring the two edges towards each other.
Step 4: Fold the napkin in half again, matching the edges.
Step 5: Fold the other side of the napkin toward the middle in the same manner. Ensure the edges align neatly.
Step 6: Cross the ends of the napkin open over one another.
Step 7: Secure the fold’s center with a napkin ring. Your elegant ribbon bow napkin fold is now ready.
Leaf Napkin
Add some flair to your Thanksgiving table with this fun leaf-shaped napkin fold. This leaf fold is fairly simple, and it does look best with warm-colored napkins, like yellow, red, orange, or brown. If your napkin keeps unfolding, use a paper clip to keep it in place. If you want a crisp, neat appearance, starched napkins hold their shape well.
Step 1: Lay the unfolded napkin on a flat surface.
Step 2: Fold the bottom half of the napkin up towards the top point. This will create a triangle.
Step 3: Take the triangle and fold it in a concertina style. Make each panel about 2 cm wide.
Step 4: Press the folded edges together and hold them in place using a paperclip or adhesive strip.
Step 5: Tie a ribbon of your choice around the end of the folded napkin. Your leaf napkin fold is ready to impress your guests.
Simple Pocket Napkin
From holidays to dinner parties, this pretty napkin fold is incredibly versatile and should work for any cloth napkins you have. It is a step up from just placing your flatware beside the plate and truly won’t take much time at all. Here a step-by-step instructions to create this easy, elegant pocket napkin:
Step 1: Place the napkin face down on a flat surface. Fold the napkin in half vertically so that the open side is on the left and the corners are aligned.
Step 2: Take the bottom edge of the napkin. Then, fold it up so that it sits just a little higher than the midpoint of the napkin.
Step 3: Fold the new bottom edge up. Again to the same line as the previous fold.
Step 4: Flip over the napkin and iron out any wrinkles.
Step 5: Fold the left side towards the center about a third of the way. Make sure it meets in the new center.
Step 6: After that, pick up the right corner and tuck it under the short fold on the left side.
Step 7: Align the corners. Then, using your fingers or the blunt end of a knife, straighten the bottom and right sides. Iron the napkin.
Step 8: Turn the napkin over and set the fork, knife, and spoon inside the pouch, side by side.
Turkey Napkin
Add some fun and celebration to your holiday with this impressive, folded napkin design, a turkey napkin. You will not believe just how easily you can make this impressive folded napkin design. Follow these easy instructions, and any person will be able to fold napkins easily, all while having a good time.
Step 1: Lay a square napkin flat on your surface.
Step 2: Fold down the top right and left corners to meet in the middle. Crease the edges for this fold.
Step 3: On either side, make a diagonal fold to meet in the middle again. Again, crease the edges for this fold.
Step 4: Fold both sides diagonally for the third time, the edges again meeting in the middle. Now your napkin is in the form of a triangle.
Step 5: Fold the pointed end of the triangle back, creasing the edge. Then fold the tip back towards the front to form a beak.
Step 6: Pull up the front part of the napkin so that it stands up. This creates the body of the turkey.
Step 7: For a rectangular napkin, Lay the napkin flat and fold in an accordion style from the shorter edge, leaving about 3 inches unfolded.
Step 8: Flip the napkin over, then fold it in half down the center. Make a diagonal fold and tuck it into the center accordion section. And crease the edges.
Step 9: Place the folded feathers behind the turkey’s neck and on top of its body.
Conclusion
In conclusion, napkin folding is the easiest method to make an effective statement at your dinner table. Whether it is a festival celebration or just a casual dinner, these creative napkin folds will add that little extra elan to the table setting. From the stylish envelope fold to the more playful turkey design, each of these techniques brings its flair that can help in making dining moments special. Try out these seven napkin folds for a shot of artistry and personalization for your table that will help leave a lasting impression on your guests and give every meal a special feel.
Also read, How to make Candyland party decorations
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which napkin fold is best for a formal dinner?
The Envelope Napkin Fold and the Rose Fold are perfect for formal dinners, as they lend elegance to the table setting, thus fitting occasions where that little bit of class is needed.
2. Can I use paper napkins for these folds?
Yes, while cloth napkins are best because of their flexibility and durability, most of these folds can be worked with paper napkins. Just make sure the paper napkin is thick enough to hold the shape.
3. Are there any practical uses for the Envelope Napkin Fold?
Yes, it may hold a greeting card, menu, cutlery, or place card. It is a decorative and at the same time functional detail added to your table setting.
4. Which napkin fold would be the best for a casual brunch?
The Simple Pocket Napkin will work well for a casual Sunday brunch. It is easy to fold and provides a nice, clean, orderly manner in which to present cutlery.
5. Can I use patterned napkins for these folds?
Yes, patterned napkins can add an extra level of visual interest to your folds. Just make sure the patterns aren’t too decorated.