How To Fold Napkins – 4 Easy Napkin Folding Ideas

If there’s one item that can transform your table setting, it’s the deceptively subtle all-purpose linen napkin. Even if you use the same plates and cutlery at every meeting, change your napkins or even play with multiple folds of napkins, any gathering can be turned into a stylish and special occasion.

A basic tip for harnessing the versatile power of the towel: Have a few different color options in your linen closet, so you can vary the hues to complement the food, flowers, decor, and occasion. You can fold a napkin into a variety of shapes by hand and use a wide variety of materials to tie or shape bedding, such as ribbons, florals, and napkin rings.

Check out some of our favorite napkin folds below.

1. The handkerchief

Serving as the ideal canvas for a small bundle of dried or living flowers, this fold lends itself to both formal and informal settings.

Insider tip: Taking a moment to iron your scarf after folding will help create sharp edges and sharper stitches.

2. The group

There are times when porcelain is the star of a table and in those cases I love the simplicity of this fold. By simply wrapping the napkin around the plate, it is easy to create and allows your guests to experience the intricacies of serving dishes, whether it is a plate or a bowl, delicate porcelain or earthy artistic pottery.

Insider tip: Depending on the size of your towels and the desired width, this fold can be done in thirds or quarters.

3. The Tuck

I love a little asymmetry in a place. Here, instead of moving the salad plate to the side, which you will see throughout the book, the napkin sits under one side of the salad plate in a fold. While not always necessary, you can design this setting with a menu or with an accent of flower, grass, or dry grass.

Insider tip: The rectangular fold of the fold is simply the strip with an extra fold at each end.

4. The roller

A napkin ring provides the perfect opportunity to add another layer of art to your table. From carved wood or a buttered leather cuff to a more formal metal ring, a rolled napkin secured in this fashion mimics the vertical lines of silverware to add a touch of style to the table.

Insider tip: No need to buy napkin rings; You can get creative and wrap your napkins with items you might already have around the house – ribbons, scraps of fabric, or even a floral element from the garden.