While some of these napkin folds look complicated and tricky, they are remarkably simple. All it takes to master the technique is a few practice tries and perhaps a little bit of spray starch. From personal experience, our team found it’s actually helpful to make some mistakes—these false starts can help you memorize and master the correct folds. Here are three easy decorative napkin folds that you can master in a few minutes. It’s best to review the video (above) along with the written instructions.
How to Fold a Napkin Rose
This pretty flower fold is perfect for baby showers, bridal showers, and spring brunches. We love the idea of using a variety of differently colored napkins to personalize the table setting for each attendee.
How to Fold a Napkin Elf Boot
Any winter holiday celebration could use these adorable folded napkins. The shape of the elf boot is nostalgic and playful, with a design that is intricate enough to delight and impress your guests. Keep the roll fairly tight and flatten out the napkin with your fingers after each turn. Stop about 2 inches from the top, so that a small triangle extends upward from the tightly rolled napkin. Roll the napkin up from the bottom, again keeping the roll tight. When complete, you will have a wheel-shaped roll with two triangular flaps extending outward on one side.
How to Fold a Napkin Christmas Tree
To sprinkle in some holiday cheer, dress your table up with these fun tree napkins. The folds are simple but produce a pretty effect reminiscent of the evergreen boughs we love to decorate during the holidays. Lift the right corner flap and fold it so it points straight up. (This is a tricky step, so refer to minute 1:35 in the video above for exact instructions.) Finish by placing the elf boot napkin atop the dinner plate of your place setting. Next, take the left two corners and fold to the right to meet the right corners, producing a square shape with four layers of fabric. The open edges of the napkin should be on the right and bottom edges. Fold the uppermost flap up toward the top point of the diamond, stopping about 1 inch from the tip. Repeat with the other side, folding the right side back over the left side. This should produce a diamond-shaped folded napkin, with the narrow point of the diamond facing up. Starting at the top, fold each flap upward. As you move downward, tuck each flap tightly into the fold above.
