NAPKIN FOLDING 101

Try one of these creative napkin-folding techniques if you’re looking for a way to dress up your dinner table or want to impress your guests with your origami skills. There’s something here for everyone, from simple folds to more intricate designs.

 

The Classic Fold

The Classic Fold is the most basic way to fold a napkin and is probably the one you learned as a child. It’s easy to do and always looks elegant.

To fold a napkin in the classic style:

1. Start with a square napkin folded in half, so it’s a rectangle.
2. Fold the top corner down to the bottom corner.
3. Flip the napkin over and repeat step 2.
4. Fold the napkin in half again, so it’s a long, thin rectangle.
5. Place the napkin on your plate with the folded edge facing up.

The Pocket Fold

The Pocket Fold is similar to the classic fold but with a pocket added in the middle. It’s perfect for holding utensils and looks more complicated than the standard fold.

To fold a napkin into a pocket:

1. Start with a square napkin folded in half, so it’s a rectangle.
2. Fold the top corner down to the bottom corner.
3. Flip the napkin over and repeat step 2.
4. Fold the napkin in half again, so it’s a long, thin rectangle.
5. Now, take the bottom corner and fold it up to meet the top corner.
6. Flip the napkin over and repeat step 5.
7. Fold the napkin in half one last time, so it’s a small square with a pocket in the middle.
8. Place the napkin on your plate with the pocket facing up.

The Silverware Wrap

The Silverware Wrap is perfect for a formal dinner, as it looks elegant and keeps your utensils neatly wrapped up.

To fold a napkin into a silverware wrap:

1. Start with a square napkin folded in half to form a rectangle.
2. Fold the top corner down to the bottom corner.
3. Flip the napkin over and repeat step 2.
4. Fold the napkin in half again to form a long, thin rectangle.
5. Now, take the bottom corner and fold it up to meet the top corner.
6. Flip the napkin over and repeat step 5.
7. Fold the napkin in half one last time, so it’s a small square.
8. Place your silverware in the middle of the napkin, and wrap the corners around it.
9. Tie the corners together with a piece of ribbon or string, and place the bundle on your plate.

The Pyramid Fold

This simple yet eye-catching fold is perfect for a casual dinner party.

To fold a napkin into a pyramid:

1. Start with a square napkin folded in half so it makes a rectangle.
2. Fold the top corner down to the bottom corner.
3. Flip the napkin over and repeat step 2.
4. Fold the napkin in half again so that a long, thin rectangle is formed.
5. Now, take the bottom corner and fold it up to meet the top corner.
6. Flip the napkin over and repeat step 5.
7. Fold the napkin in half one last time, so it’s a small square.
8. Fold the napkin in half again, this time horizontally.
9. Flip the napkin over and repeat step 8.
10. Take the top corner and fold it down to the bottom corner.
11. Flip the napkin over and repeat step 10.
12. Fold the napkin in half again, this time horizontally.
13. Flip the napkin over and repeat step 12.
14. Finally, fold the napkin in half so it’s a long, thin rectangle.
15. Place the napkin on your plate with the folded edge facing up.

The Bishop’s Hat Fold

This fold is perfect for a holiday dinner, giving the napkin a festive look.

To fold a napkin into a bishop’s hat:

1. Start with a square napkin folded in half, so it’s a rectangle.
2. Fold the top corner down to the bottom corner.
3. Flip the napkin over and repeat step 2.
4. Fold the napkin in half again, so it’s a long, thin rectangle.
5. Now, take the bottom corner and fold it up to meet the top corner.
6. Flip the napkin over and repeat step 5.
7. Fold the napkin in half one last time, so it’s a small square.
8. Take the top corner and fold it down to the bottom corner.
9. Flip the napkin over and repeat step 8.
10. Finally, fold the napkin in half again, so it’s a long, thin rectangle.
11. Place the napkin on your plate with the folded edge facing up.

The Rose Fold

This beautiful fold is perfect for a romantic dinner for two.

To fold a napkin into a rose:

1. Start with a square napkin folded in half, so it’s a rectangle.
2. Fold the top corner down to the bottom corner.
3. Flip the napkin over and repeat step 2.
4. Fold the napkin in half again so that it’s a long, thin rectangle.
5. Now, take the bottom corner and fold it up to meet the top corner.
6. Flip the napkin over and repeat step 5.
7. Fold the napkin in half one last time, so it’s a small square.
8. Take the top corner and fold it down to the bottom corner.
9. Flip the napkin over and repeat step 8.
10. Finally, fold the napkin in half again so that it’s a long, thin rectangle.
11. Place the napkin on your plate with the folded edge facing up.

The Turkey Fold

What better napkin fold to grace your Thanksgiving table?

1. Start with a square napkin.
2. Fold the napkin in half diagonally, forming a triangle.
3. Fold the bottom corner of the triangle up to meet the top point, making a smaller triangle.
4. Fold the triangle in half again, making a smaller triangle still.
5. Now we’re going to make the turkey’s tail. Take the bottom point of the triangle and fold it up about a third of the way. Then fold it over once more so that the tail is neat and tidy.
6. To make the turkey’s body, fold the triangle in half once more.

 

-And that’s it! Your turkey is now ready to grace your Thanksgiving table.

Happy Thanksgiving!