How to Fold Napkins for a Table Setting

Food Entertaining

December 7, 2020

The House Magazine

simple napkin fold for tablesetting

I have a napkin problem. I recently bought a hutch that found its place in my dining room to help hide the obsession. Linens are probably one of my favorite ways to dress up a table setting, so I thought it was time to dedicate an entire blog post on how to fold napkins. These are all tips and tricks you can easily apply to your holiday table settings.


OUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY NAPKINS


Simple Ideas for Folding Napkins

We love simplicity at The House of Perez, so folding napkins into swans is not really our jam. Instead, I will show you some of the easiest ideas for folding napkins. These are laid back suggestions that feel intentional, giving your table a special holiday touch for your guests to enjoy.

I did pick up these green checkered napkins from one of my favorite shops, and started to play around with different ways to incorporate them into a setting that would have potential for Christmas. This first napkin fold is definitely laid back with a luxury feel. I grabbed the linens out of my drawer, gave them a bit of a shake and placed them on the table underneath the plates. This adds texture and color to the entire scene, and in the easiest way.

rustic place setting with napkin pulled under plate
simple napkin placement on table setting
checkered napkin placed under plate

How to Fold a Cloth Napkin

Next, I tried a fold that was a bit more formal. I folded the napkin into thirds and wrapped it around the dinner plate before placing the salad plate on top. I love how this look gives the place setting a bit of interest in a modern, formal way. Use this same method, but place the folded napkin under the stacked plates for another formal look.

napkin folded around plate
napkin folded under plate

How to Fold Napkins with Rings

Another item you will find in my china hutch is ribbon. It’s an amazing tool that can be used in various ways on a table. For now, give your napkins and table settings a touch of elegance by tying a strand of ribbon around them. This is a great substitute for napkin rings if that is something you don’t currently have in your collection.

To fold a napkin using a ring or ribbon, I usually grab the center of the napkin and pull it upwards with my fingers before guiding it through the napkin ring. Do the same when using a ribbon, and tie the napkin where the ring would usually be placed. I’ve tied the ribbon into a bow, or left it tied like you see in this example.

ribbon to tie napkin for place setting
Easy Napkin Fold with Ribbon Tie

These beautiful roses were gifted to me from Grace Rose Farm. The smell of these beauties are enchanting and are an amazing addition to any tablescape. Virtually visit there farm here.

checkered napkin with pink florals on table
pink floral arrangement on table