Decorative Napkin Folding Techniques

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November 1, 2010

An eye-catching folded napkin welcomes friends and family to the table with a thoughtful and impressive personal touch. Dress up your table for any occasion with our simple step-by-step instructions for three decorative napkin folds.

Practice Your Folds
To master unique napkin folds, it’s necessary to spend time practicing them. Download and print our instructions as a guide for the following three napkin folds.

Folding Technique 1: The Functional Centerpiece
This folding technique can look just as great as a centerpiece for your table as it does resting next to silverware. Try displaying candies, condiments or dips by placing a small dish in the center of your folded napkin.

Lay a large linen napkin flat on the table. Fold each corner diagonally into the center of the napkin, creating a square.
Turn the napkin over and fold each corner diagonally into the center of the napkin again.
Firmly hold down the center of the napkin or have a friend hold it down for you.
Carefully reach under the napkin and pull out the folded corners to form outer petals.
You should finish with a floral/rose shaped napkin. Place a small dish or candies in the center to hold it down.

Folding Technique 2: The Pocket
This technique works well with either paper or linen napkins, and the pocket doubles as a utensil holder and display for small decorations. Place utensils in the large pocket and a sprig of flowers, herbs or holly in one of the smaller folds to add life to your table.

Start with a large square paper or linen napkin laid flat on a table.
Fold the napkin in half long-ways.
Fold the napkin in half top to bottom.
Fold in half again, left to right.
Rotate napkin to make sure the loose edges of the napkin are at the top right and carefully fold each layer diagonally and under each other, leaving one large pocket in the back. You can also fold the corner of the first layer under, to create a straight line or leave it open.
Place utensils in the back pocket and a sprig of decoration in the front pocket.

Folding Technique 3: The Trefoil
This fold uses a large napkin ring to hold it together at the base. It can be placed on or next to plates for decoration—or inside stemware for added flair.

Place a large linen napkin flat on a table and fold the bottom corner to the top corner to form a triangle.
Fold the bottom part of the napkin up, about 2 inches from the top. You’ll see a small triangle peeking out at the top and the bottom will be a straight line.
Fold the napkin accordion-style left to right (over, under, and repeat) until the end.
Stick the napkin into a wide napkin ring with about an inch left at the bottom. Carefully open with your hands.
Lay the folded napkin in the center of a plate or place inside stemware and fan out.