Simple, Elegant Napkin Folding Designs

A napkin can be made into a piece of art to turn your dinner table into a masterpiece. Napkin folding is an art form and the possibilities are endless. To begin, your best designs will come from starched linen napkins. If your designs are more involved, you may want to try larger napkins. Before you invite your guests over, practice with some old newspapers. Get your kids involved as well. This is something the whole family will enjoy!

The Lily design is helpful and very attractive on a table. First, you will want to fold your napkin into quarters. Next, fold your napkin into a triangle, closed corner to open points. Now, turn the two points over to the other side. Pleat the napkin now. The final step includes placing the closed end in a glass. Pull down two points on each side and shape the ends in the shape of a lily.

The fan design is pretty in a napkin ring or on a plate. First, you will fold the top and bottom edges up to the center. Next, you repeat this step a second time. Add firm pleats from the left edge and make your edges sharp with a hot iron. Spread out your fan balancing flat folds on each side on your table. This design works best with well-starched linens.

The candle design is easy to do and can be decorated. First, you fold your napkin into a triangle shape with the point at the top. Turn the lower edge up about one inch. Now, turn over your napkin with the folded edge down. Roll the napkin tightly from left to right. To finish this design, tuck in the corner and stand your candle napkin design upright!

The rosette napkin design looks stylish on a nice dinner plate. First, fold the right and left edges to the center, leaving about a one-half inch opening along the middle. Add firm pleats from the top edge to the bottom edge and make your edges sharp with a hot iron. Pinch the center together. If needed, you can use a small decorative material such as a pipe cleaner to secure the napkin. Adding a single flower to the top adds nice flair. Spread out the rosette napkin for an elegant design.

To make a shield design out of your dinner napkins, you will want to fold them into quarter size. This design is easy to make and looks very classy with monogrammed napkins. If you have monogrammed napkins, the fancy corner should be turned face down. Now, you will fold up the folded corner three-quarters of the way. Overlap the right side and left side points. Next, you will turn the napkin over and adjust the sides so that they are even, with a single point in the center. The point can be placed up or down on the left side of the dinner plate.

Happy Entertaining!