Fun and Creative Beach Themed Napkin Folds for a Summer Wedding

Having a beach themed wedding reception? Is your reception set in a tropical setting? Do you have a designation wedding? Want to add an extra touch to your beach theme reception? The bird of paradise, shell, knot, and sail boat are four beach themed napkin folds that can add that" extra touch!"

Before we get to napkin folding, let's discuss the actual linen choice. Yes, there are many choices these days! There are many different textures, patterns, colors, and fabrics to choose from. When you are picking a linen or décor for your beach themed wedding reception, however, keep the design very simple. You don't want to distract from the main focal point, "the view!" For your theme, I highly recommend a bamboo or tropical pattern, an ecru or white hemstitch napkin, a neutral or blue burlap fabric, or a white napkin with a navy blue or red border. Also, keep in mind that certain fabrics work better with certain napkin folds. For example, I suggest a thick and stiff linen fabric for the bird of paradise napkin fold or scalloped trimmed linen or the hemstitch linen for the shell napkin fold. Whatever you decide, just have fun and play! If you want information on linen choices, go to www.weddinglinens.com.

If you want to add a "wow" factor to your reception, try the bird of paradise napkin fold. This would be a perfect napkin fold for a designation or a tropical themed wedding reception! The napkin fold looks complicated, however, it's not! First, lay the napkin flat on the table wrong side up. Next, take the bottom two corners and fold away from you towards the top corners. The napkin should be folded in half. Now, take the left side of the napkin and fold it over to the right side. You should have folded the napkin into quarters. Take the bottom left corner and fold it diagonally to the right top corner forming a triangle. Now orient the napkin with the top of the triangle, which has the opening, and is facing away from you. Take both bottom corners and fold both into center of napkin. Now, take bottom center corners and tuck them under the napkin. You should have a triangle again. Now, take the bottom corners and fold them back until they meet each other. You should have folded the napkin in half! While holding the bottom firmly, go to the top of the napkin or the opening, and pull the individual corners up separating them! Let bottom go and place on table! Viola! You have a bird of paradise masterpiece! If you would like to see step by step pictures of the napkin fold, go to: http://www.napkinfoldingguide.com/03-birdofparadise/.

Next, the shell napkin fold would be an excellent fold for any beach themed wedding reception! Start with the napkin flat on the table wrong side up. Fold the napkin in half by taking the bottom corners and folding it away from you to meet the top corners. Next, take the right and left sides of the napkin and fold them into the center of the napkin. While holding the flaps together, flip the napkin over carefully. Fold the left side of the napkin one-third towards the center. Now take the fold that you just created and fold the center flap back to the outer edge. Repeat the last two steps with the right side. While holding the folds that you just made, fold it in half by taking the bottom corners and folding it towards the table or behind the napkin fold. Finally, take the top right and left pleats and fan out. Now you have created a shell! For pictures and diagrams of this fold go to "Napkin Folding for Every occasion," by Doris Kuhn.

Are you tying" the knot?" Having a nautical themed reception? Or, having your reception at the yacht club? How about the knot napkin fold? This fold is very easy! Start by laying the napkin flat on the table diagonally. It should look like a big diamond! Fold the napkin in half by taking the top of the napkin and fold it towards you to the bottom of the napkin. You now should have a triangle. Roll the napkin starting from the bottom of the triangle. Once completely rolled, take both left and right sides and tie into a loose knot. The napkin is now completed!

Want another basic napkin fold for your nautical themed wedding reception? How about the sail boat! Lay the napkin flat on the table wrong side up. Take the top corners and fold them into the center of the napkin. Next, fold the napkin in half vertically. Roll the bottom of the napkin away from you to the center of the napkin. Set the rolled half of the napkin on the table and open the triangle or the sail up. Now you are ready to set sail! If you want pictures or diagrams of the sail boat fold, refer to "Great Napkin Folding and Table Setting," by Marianne Muller and Ola Mikolasek.

Having a beach themed wedding has everything you need for the décor - - - the view! However, why not add that subtle "extra touch." Whatever fold or linen you choose, just have fun with it!