Editor’s note: I’m excited to share another post from contributor Alexandria Austin! As we get ready for holiday feasts, I hope you’ll enjoy her napkin folding tips as much as I did! -Erin
The holidays are here, and that means a slew of family gatherings and dinner parties full of delicious food and memorable conversations. Throwing a dinner party can be just as much fun as attending, but you may be looking for some dinner party décor ideas to spruce up your table in time for holiday entertaining. Today, we want to share some simple napkin folding techniques that are perfect for a casual gathering.
As a general rule, napkins are usually placed to the left of a plate, on top of the salad plate, or under a salad or dinner plate. Remember to crease each fold as you go, to help keep your napkin in place while folding.
One simple way to fold a napkin is into a tall rectangle, as shown above. This gives you the ability to add decorative floral elements or a place card:
- Lay the napkin flat, pattern side down.
- Fold the napkin in half by bringing the right side over to the left side
- Fold in half again, right to left. If this size fits well under a fork, you can stop at this step, otherwise…
- Pick the napkin up and fold the top and bottom ends together, with the open sides of the napkin on the inside.
- Now you may add your decor to the napkin, like a piece of rustic twine and a sprig of eucalyptus.
Here’s a how to fold a napkin to create a pocket for silverware:
- Lay the napkin flat, pattern side up.
- Fold the napkin in half by bringing the top end down, this should create a rectangle.
- Fold the napkin in half from left to right to create a square.
- Rotate the napkin so the open corner is facing the top left.
- Bring the top fold of the top-left corner of the napkin down to the bottom-right, this will create a single diagonal layer.
- Flip the napkin over with the open corner facing down in the top-right.
- Fold the right side over about 1/3 of the way and crease the fold.
- Fold the left side over about 1/3 of the way and fit it into the little fold created at the bottom right.
- Flip the napkin over and fit silverware (or herbs!) inside the napkin – you’re finished!
If you are looking for a quick decoration for a place setting with a salad plate, we suggest this three fold rectangle:
- Lay the napkin flat, pattern side down
- Fold the right side of the napkin one-third of the way.
- Fold the left side over the edge to make a perfect rectangle.
- Flip the napkin over with creased folds and place under the salad plate.
Our final way to fold a napkin is the lotus napkin fold, it’s very simple and gives your dinner plate something special:
- Fold the napkin in half diagonally both ways, pressing to crease, then open the napkin.
- Fold all four corners to the center, creating a square.
- Flip the napkin over and fold the corners to meet at the center.
- With a finger pressing down on the center of napkin, pull up the flap from underneath out to each corner to create the lotus petals.
Napkin folding is something of a lost art! A cloth napkin instantly elevates dinners at home, so try incorporating this simple (and free) technique to add a special touch to your table.
If you’re looking for some napkins to add pattern to your next dinner party, shop Cotton & Flax’s napkins here. If you’re using Cotton & Flax linens for a holiday party or dinner this season, tag us on Instagram to show us how you’ve styled our pieces!
