Simple and Elegant Napkin Folds

Over the years we’ve posted a few different ideas for DIYs to make any holiday special, like custom containers for leftovers and how to make a variety of napkin folds and other table decor for Christmas. So today I thought I’d share a tip that will totally upgrade the look of any holiday table, even if you have a limited amount of time to add any special touches to your holiday!

I’m going to share a few cute and easy napkin-folding methods that are sure to add something special to your table, as well as wow your guests! Each napkin only takes a minute or so to put together, so why not gather up the kids and make a fun, pre-dinner activity out of it?

The Envelope

I love this one! It’s out of the ordinary as far as napkin folds go, but it’s still refined enough to add to a holiday table. You can have the flap open or closed, but it would be fun to leave it open and have a place card with each person’s name tucked inside!

Start by folding on corner of your napkin over to the opposite corner, so you end up with a triangle, with the long side facing you. Take the left corner of the triangle and fold it in to the middle of the long side. Do the same with the right corner.

Repeat this process again, bringing the fold on the left side in and folding it so that it meets the center line of the original triangle. Repeat on the right side. Take the squared off edge that is facing towards you, and fold it away from you to make the body of the envelope. The remaining flap of napkin on the edge away from you is the flap of your envelope!

The Chef’s Hat

These napkins will look so impressive standing on your place settings – your guests will love them!

Start by folding one corner of the napkin over to the opposite corner, creating a triangle with the long side facing away from you. Take the two bottom corners of the triangle and fold them towards you to meet the top corner. Take the corners you just folded, and fold them down away from you, effectively creating a horizontal line across middle of the napkin.

Fold the bottom half of the napkin over about three times to create a band across the top half of the napkin. Flip the napkin over and tuck one of the bottom corners into the other corner. Pull the tabs on the front side of the napkin down, and stand it up on your plate.

The Fleur de Lis

This one works best if you’re using napkin rings. I think this one is especially fancy-looking, so it’s a winner if you want a formal feel for your table!

Start by folding the napkin in half to create a rectangle, with the folded side facing toward you. Take the corners along the far side and fold them in toward the center to create a triangle.

Take the bottom corners of the triangle and fold them away from you, toward the top point of the triangle, creating a diamond. Grab the top flaps (the one’s you just made), and fold them over so the points fall on the middle of the napkin, horizontally. Finally, grab the very bottom of the napkin and gently pull it through a napkin ring.

The Artichoke

This fold creates a sort of trivet that you can set your dishes on top of. It adds a nice, decorative touch to your table without taking up any extra space!

With the back side of the napkin facing up, fold each of the four corners in towards the center of the napkin. Flip the napkin over so the front side is facing up, and fold the four corners into the center again.

Reach under the napkin and grab the flaps created by the second fold. Give them a gentle tug outward to create a perfect “artichoke leaf”!

Who says you have to wait for a holiday to make your dinner table look special? These napkin folds are so quick and easy you can do them any time you want!

Have you tried napkin folds or do you use napkin rings?