A table setting is never complete without beautifully folded napkins. A special table says you value your guests since you have made an extra effort to set the table beautifully.
Napkins that are elegantly folded add a touch of class and flair to the dining table. To get the best out of them, choose the fabric based on the theme of the occasion and ensure that it complements your overall dining room décor.
There are many napkin folding techniques from simple, fancy to complicated folds. Today, I share a few ideas on decorating with table napkins that you can try this holiday.
Size: For a better folding design, square-shaped napkins are better. The napkin should be big enough for one to be able to cover their lap when they are eating. Luncheon napkins should measure 18-by-18-inches or 20-inches-by-20-inches while dinner ones should ideally measure 22-by-22-inches or 24-by-24-inches. The size, however, is not so restrictive.
Material: Sturdy linen that can even be starched is the best and is responsive to making fancy folds.
Preparation: For an elegant and crisp folding, the linen should be starched and crisp. Before you fold a napkin, ensure it is washed clean, starched and properly ironed. When you starch the napkin, it is easier to get distinct folds and allows it to keep its form when placed on the table.
Folding styles
There are various styles that you can choose to fold your napkin.
Scarf fold: This fold requires a napkin ring. Lay the napkin flat then grasp the centre with your fingers and insert it through the ring.
Cone fold: Lay the napkin flat and fold it half with the open end facing away from you. Next, fold the left over the right half then turn the napkin so that it resembles a diamond shape with the open end facing away from you. Fold the top layer of the open end toward you then flip the napkin over. Fold the left side over about two thirds and then do the same with the right. Finally, tuck the corners into the left side to create a cone shape.
Basic silverware pouch: This fold allows you to slip your silverware into the napkin.
Arrow fold: This fold looks like a paper aeroplane and is a fancy way to display your napkin.
Standing fan fold: This allows you to show off the print of the cloth.
Ribbon: Simply roll the napkin up and tie it with a ribbon
Themed shape: You can fold the napkin in a themed shape. Be creative with your folds; they could even mimic a shape that is symbolic of the occasion theme. You could for example make a star shape for Christmas.
Napkin flowers: You can create centrepieces using your napkins. Tuck them into a wine glass then fluff up the edges to stimulate the look of flowers. There you go; you have your napkins plus a unique centrepiece.
There are tens of unique ways that you can use to fold napkins. Get started!