How to fold table napkins nicely

Are you planning a family lunch or a formal dinner and don’t know how to create a refined atmosphere at the table? The key to a flawless mise en place is mastering how to fold table napkins with elegance. From fans to original shapes, the possibilities are endless. Join us as we explore the best ways to fold napkins for a unique style that will amaze your guests!

Do carefully folded napkins really matter that much? Absolutely. They are a detail that should not be overlooked because they can distinguish a perfectly presented table from a more casual one. Here’s why they deserve your attention:

• They define the style of the setting
• They enhance other table elements, such as underplates and glasses
• They offer a chance to personalize your mise en place

Above all, they highlight attention to detail and care for your guests.

Whether you want to focus on restaurant napkin folds or aim for something more relaxed, two things are crucial: placement and shape.

Our advice is to start with simple shapes. You’ll have plenty of time to practice and eventually master true napkin origami!

A heart napkin fold is an excellent idea for a romantic table setting, perfect for surprising your partner with elegant details that celebrate love. Let’s see how to fold a napkin into a heart:

1. 1.Open the napkin fully and lay it flat
2. 2.Fold the bottom edge up toward the center
3. 3.Do the same with the top edge
4. 4.Fold the two sides so they overlap
5. 5.Fold one side toward the center to form a point
6. 6.Repeat with the other side
7. 7.Flip the napkin so that the heart’s point faces downward
8. 8.Fold the two outer corners inward to create two triangles
9. 9.Fold the inner corners in the same way
10. 10.Turn the napkin over to reveal your heart!

The fan-shaped napkin is timeless. It adds an elegant accent to any table with its slightly whimsical shape.

1. 1.Fold the napkin in half to form a rectangle
2. 2.Turn the short side so it’s facing you
3. 3.Begin making accordion-style pleats along the length
4. 4.Continue the folds for almost the entire length of the napkin
5. 5.Leave about three fingers’ width of the napkin unfolded at the end
6. 6.Fold the napkin in half, to get a square
7. 7.With the remaining unfolded end, form a triangle
8. 8.Place the napkin on the plate and let it fan out
9. 9.Adjust the back triangle to keep it stable

Among the various napkin-folding ideas, you definitely can’t miss the combination with cutlery. Here’s how to create a napkin holder for a table with three pockets, perfect for a fork, knife, and spoon.

1. 1.Fold the napkin in half horizontally
2. 2.Fold it in half again to form a square
3. 3.Take the top layer’s corner and fold it diagonally to the opposite side
4. 4.Now you should have a pocket at the center
5. 5.Take the second layer and tuck it into that pocket, letting it peek out show slightly
6. 6.Do the same with the third layer
7. 7.Flip the napkin over
8. 8.Fold both outer sides inward to create a rectangular shape
9. 9.Flip again, and your napkin silverware holder is ready

Pressed for time and stuck for easy table napkin folding ideas? A napkin ring can achieve an elegant, minimal presentation. If you don’t have a ring, a decorative ribbon in gold or a matching color works just as well.

1. 1.Lay the napkin fully open on the table
2. 2.Fold it in half
3. 3.Fold it in half again to get a square
4. 4.Now start rolling one side of the napkin over itself
5. 5.You can roll it to the end or stop halfway and repeat from the other side
6. 6.Slide the napkin into the napkin ring or secure it in the center with a ribbon

If you want a simple but impressive idea, try the spiral shape. Once you understand the process, it only takes a few seconds to make, and the result will leave your guests speechless.

1. 1.Place the napkin on the table folded in half so it forms a rectangle
2. 2.Take the bottom-left corner of the top layer and fold it toward the right (keep one finger at the center to hold the napkin in place)
3. 3.Now bring the bottom-right corner back to the left
4. 4.At this point, you should see two “sails” on the left side
5. 5.Repeat the same process on the right side
6. 6.Now you should have four “sails” in total
7. 7.Fold the napkin so the “sails” overlap
8. 8.Roll the napkin from the long edge to the tips
9. 9.To set the shape, place the rolled napkin in a glass for a couple of hours
10. 10.Right before your guests arrive, place the napkins in the center of the plate and let them unroll into a spiral

We’ve all wondered about the correct spot for the napkin: on the right or the left? Well, there isn’t an absolute rule:

• ● In the English-style mise en place, the napkin goes on the left
• ● In the French-style mise en place, the napkin goes on the right

In other words, you can’t go wrong! What matters most is that it’s placed conveniently.

If you want our advice about the setting of the napkins on the table, here are a few suggestions:

• ● If you’ve folded the napkins into decorative shapes, like a fan or spiral, show them off by placing them in the center of the plate.
• ●If, on the other hand, the fold is simple and designed to highlight the silverware, then you can place the napkin to the right or left of the plate.

For special occasions and holidays, it’s worth giving extra attention to napkins:

• ● You could fold Christmas table napkins into stars or mini trees. Red is a must
• ● You could fold Easter table napkins using a napkin ring. The primary colors should be pastel shades
• ● You could tie New Year’s table napkins with a ribbon. Gold is a color you can’t do without