Methods for folding paper napkins for table setting. Methods for folding napkins
As soon as beautifully folded napkins appear on the table, it turns from everyday to festive, and the appreciation of the hostess’s culinary skills in the eyes of the guests immediately grows several times. Meanwhile, achieving such an effect is not at all difficult. You just need to learn interesting ways to fold napkins and stock up on several sets of beautiful paper, linen and lace napkins that will coordinate with your tablecloths and dishes. The Culinary Eden website has selected several options for decorating the table with napkins - both simple and more complex - for all occasions.
For home celebrations and picnics, you can get by with paper napkins. They are practical, beautiful, and new every time. Instead of stacking them in a napkin holder or placing boring squares in front of each guest, from paper napkins You can use interesting ways to fold napkins by making original table decoration elements. For example, in bright napkins you can wrap cutlery or small bouquets of flowers.
Another option for folding paper napkins is to decorate glasses with them. Roll 1-2 paper napkins into a tube and place them in glasses so that the sharp corner protrudes outward.
Large and thick paper napkins will allow you to create a more interesting composition in a glass: lay the napkin in one layer on the table, grab the middle with all your fingers, forming folds, and place the resulting figure in the glass.
It is easy to fold a fan from a large, thick paper napkin: fold the napkin into an accordion shape, fold the accordion in half and secure the middle with a toothpick or stapler. A standing fan is made in a similar way: fold the accordion not all the way, leaving room for one fold. Fold the accordion in half and tuck in the top free corner to secure the two ends of the accordion. Unfold the fan and place it vertically next to each plate.
The heart can be made from paper or fabric napkins. Place the unfolded napkin in front of you, fold the bottom quarter of the square to the middle, also fold the top quarter and fold lengthwise to form a narrow rectangle. Bend its sides up to the middle, bend the corners of each side. Turn the napkin over and the heart is ready.
Enough about disposable paper napkins, let's move on to real ones - fabric ones. Only with them does the holiday table become truly solemn and stylish. The simplest option is to decorate the table with fabric napkins threaded into special rings. Fold the napkins in four and insert the corner opposite the free edges into the rings. Spread out the folds nicely.
Why not tie a napkin around a fork like a scarf? Fold a thin napkin lengthwise, fold it in half, place a fork near the fold of the napkin and thread the long sides through the loop. Straighten and tighten the knot.
To make a formal butterfly bow out of a napkin, lay the napkin in one layer and fold the two sides toward the middle. Then fold the opposite sides towards the middle and intercept the middle wide ribbon or thread the resulting rectangle into the ring. Straighten out the folds.
It is very easy to make a triple cutlery envelope from a napkin. Fold the napkin twice into a square, placing the free corners to the right. Leave the bottom layer in place, and slightly bend the corner of the second layer under the third. Bend the third layer of the napkin more strongly and place it under the fourth. Bend the last layer even further. All you have to do is fold the sides back, and you have a neat pocket for a fork, spoon and knife.
It is not difficult to make a fan with 3 or 4 rays. To do this you will need a very thin, well-ironed napkin. Fold it diagonally at an angle towards you. Bring the right corner over the left and place it a little lower. Place the right corner of the resulting structure over the left one and place it a little lower. If desired, form the fourth ray in the same way.
A folded napkin can serve as a vase for a small bouquet or gift. Fold the napkin diagonally with the fold facing you. Bend the bottom side 5-6 cm. Turn the napkin over and fold its corners towards the center. Place the structure vertically, straighten it for stability and bend the top corner down.
From two napkins different colors It’s easy to make cute sushi, and using a single-color napkin you can use the same method to create a small candle with a burning flame. Fold the square napkin diagonally, roll it into a rope, starting from the base of the triangle, and roll this rope into a tight roll. Tuck the tip down, under the base. If you are making a candle, release the corner of the napkin from the center up. If you are making sushi, wrap the rolled napkin with another folded one in the same way.
In the same way, a luxurious rose is made from a napkin: fold the napkin diagonally at an angle away from you, gently twist it into a rope, without making sharp fold lines. Roll this cord into soft folds, tuck the tip inward and place the rose in a glass or cup. If you decorate a napkin with a green leaf, the resemblance to a living rose will be striking.
And if you stop twisting the rose, not reaching 10-15 cm to the end, and thread the corner down, you will get a stable structure - a rose with a leaf.
To fold a napkin into the shape of an unopened lily with 4 petals, fold the napkin in half with the edges facing you. Lift the bottom right corner and slide the top right corner underneath it all the way down. In the same way, lift the lower left corner and draw the upper left corner to the bottom. A wide triangle will lie in front of you. Fold it along the middle line, place it vertically, smooth out the folds. If you make this figure from a green napkin and decorate it with a star, you will get a New Year tree.
Another type of lily - heraldic - is made a little more complicated. Fold the napkin diagonally with the corners away from you. Bring up the side corners and join them to the top corner to make a square. Bend the bottom corner of the square up, not all the way, and bend it down to the base. Turn the structure over to the other side, bend the corners and thread one corner into the other so that the structure holds firmly. Place the napkin vertically and bend the side petals down.
To make a sailboat out of a napkin, take a thin, well-ironed napkin, fold it twice to make a square, and then fold it diagonally with the free corners away from you. Connect the sides to the center line so that the corners are at the bottom. Tuck the bottom corners inward, fold the structure in half so it can stand stable, and release the top corners.
A napkin folded in the shape of a fantastic flower looks luxurious. Place the unfolded napkin on the table, bend all the corners to the center to make a square. Fold the corners of this square to the center, turn the structure over and fold the corners to the center again. Holding the center of the napkin, carefully bend and release each corner. Decorate the center of the napkin with a flower or candlestick.
As you can see, all the methods of folding napkins listed in this article are very simple and do not require special skills. With just a little practice, you can decorate your table with napkins for any occasion.
Useful tips
As a rule, the festive table is decorated with interesting dishes, beautiful glasses and cutlery, but all this is perfectly complemented by original folded napkins for guests.
Paper napkins can be folded in multiple ways different ways to make your table more elegant and make a good impression on everyone.
Here are the most interesting ways to fold paper napkins for any table and for any event:
How to quickly fold paper napkins
1. Place the folded napkin on the table so that the corner where all the folds meet is on top (see image).
2. Start folding the bottom ends of the napkin upward, but leave a little space at the top after each folded end.
3. When you have folded all the ends of the napkin, turn it over.
4. Turn the napkin with the large end down so that it is shaped like the Superman sign.
5. Fold the left and right sides into thirds, one on top of the other.
6. Turn the napkin over.
*If you wish, you can put a beautiful stamp on the tip of the napkin.
Beautifully folded paper napkins
1. Fold the laid out paper napkin in half and in half again to form a small square.
2. Fold the top layer of the napkin in half diagonally and press gently.
3. Turn the napkin over and fold the (now different) top layer diagonally again.
4. Right side fold the napkins by 1/3 and fold the left one also by a third over the right.
5. Turn the napkin over and you can put cutlery in the pocket formed.
Beautiful paper napkins on the table: double fan
1. Place the napkin laid out on the table.
2. Fold in half (from bottom to top).
3. Bend the top layer down (towards the bottom edge).
4. Turn the napkin over.
5. Fold the top layer down (toward the bottom edge).
6. Fold the napkin evenly like an accordion.
7. Take the napkin in your hand so that there are 2 layers on top. Fold the first layer inside each inner accordion piece downwards (see image).
8. Gently spread the napkin to form a fan.
Video instruction using a cotton napkin as an example:
Festive paper napkins: aster in a plate
Below is a video instruction for a more detailed analysis.
1. Lay out the napkin and place it on the table.
2. Fold the bottom and top to the middle.
3. Turn the napkin so that it lies across the table. Fold the top and bottom towards the middle.
4. Unfold the napkin to a rectangular shape (with two opposing folds made in step 2). You will get 4 folds that divide the napkin into 4 rectangles (2 on each side).
5. Now you need to make 8 out of 4 rectangles (each of them will become an aster petal in the future). Start folding the napkin evenly like an accordion. First, turn the napkin over and start with the fold towards you and then away from you.
6. Prepare aster petals. From all the folds you need to make three-dimensional triangles. The work will be done with a quarter of the folds.
Start tucking the edges of the folds inside, after which you need to bend them so as to get triangles - the petals of a paper flower.
7. When all the edges of the folds are folded into triangles, connect the outer triangles to each other and the flower is ready. Place it on a plate.
Video instructions
Beautiful paper napkins on the table: pinwheel
1. Lay out the napkin and place it on the table.
2. Fold each end of the napkin towards its center.
3. Fold the napkin in half.
4. Place the napkin so that it lies across the table and fold the bottom and top parts towards the center.
5. Now you need to push the upper right triangle to the right. Next, push the left triangle up, then the lower right triangle to the right and the lower left triangle down.
How to festively fold paper napkins: tie
An important part of any special event is the decoration of the festive table. There are many rules that are collected into one bible of table etiquette. It includes rules for arranging dishes for different types meals. For large-scale festive events, an invariable detail is the presence of linen and paper napkins. Table decoration includes the art of napkin folding in various ways to give a sophisticated appearance.
Learning skill
Today, when setting the table at home, preference is given to paper napkins. Napkins should be on the table for accessible use in large quantities, the most in a simple way For serving napkins on the table, there are convenient napkin holders from which they can be easily taken out.
The most common way to fold napkins is as a fan, as is done in cafes and canteens, or in specially purchased boxes in stores. The design of some napkin holders, however, will be associated with dining rooms, but you can find quite stylish solutions.
At children's parties, you can wrap napkins in tubes and fill a bright paper glass.
To fold an individual napkin for each guest, you can beautifully arrange a more expensive napkin in a glass. Agree, this is better than a carelessly lying napkin folded into four.
Figures from napkins
For special holidays, such as birthdays, weddings, New Year, it is appropriate to prepare interesting thematic figures for each guest, adding gifts or postcards with wishes or names, if a seating plan for guests is required. There are many options for folding napkins for such occasions. This will set the guests in the holiday mood. For example, Christmas trees made from napkins for the New Year, decorated with toys.
A napkin in the shape of a heart is suitable for romantic dinner. Find red or pink napkins at the store and follow the pattern.
The napkin needs to be folded diagonally and turned with the fold towards you. Fold the bottom side corners towards the top, then turn the napkin over and fold the top corner down. And fold the upper parts along the bisector from the right angle of the triangles. The photo shows the whole process in more detail. The napkin is already almost in the shape of a heart, complete it by folding all the top corners, making your heart more rounded.
Serving examples
At important special events, they try to approach the design with taste, according to all the rules of etiquette. They use all types of napkins: both paper and fabric to cover their knees. At official receptions, everything should be flawless.
Napkins for table setting can be arranged stylishly on a plate or by wrapping cutlery, or using special ring holders for folding napkins. They are purchased in stores or made with your own hands. Instead of rings, you can simply tie it with ribbons.
Original fan. Very popular and quick way folding napkins. To do this, fold the napkin in half. Turn it away from you with a fold. The accordion is assembled from one end and some part is left unfolded. In this form, together with the entire accordion, fold the entire structure in half. Bend the remaining piece into a triangle. Now, holding onto it, you can let go of the fan.
Junk- a sailing ship made from a napkin. You need to use large multi-layer napkins or fabric ones. Paper, already folded in four, turn the square with the fold to the right. Next, we need to fold the square in half again, but only diagonally. Turn the fold towards you and now lower the side corners of the triangle down, as if you were making an airplane. Fold the bottom corners under and fold them in half along the longitudinal line inward. Holding the free corners with your hand, pull them out into “sails”.
Festive table setting is always different from everyday. Sometimes it’s dishes with beautiful ornament, sometimes - candles and panels of fresh flowers, and sometimes - just beautifully and stylishly folded napkins. Moreover, the latter is the easiest to do! Beautiful paper napkins can always liven up and add a “holiday touch” to your table. Using the same piece of fabric you can get the most amazing results!
Arrangement of napkins in vases and stands
This is interesting: Beautiful and proper festive table setting at home: dishes, napkins, decor + 165 PHOTOS
The napkin holder is a special cutlery, which, in addition to its functionality, can bring a touch of celebration and luxury to the dining table. There are a large number of options for manufacturing materials. And this is another way to express a particular style of decorating a holiday table. Anyone who has a special avant-garde attitude to the formation of table settings can use several types of napkin holders at once. The combination of crystal and forged metal on a white tablecloth will look non-trivial. A composition of wooden utensils and clay products will fit perfectly into the rustic style.
Stylists, designers and experts in the design of special ceremonies offer a large number of options for designing napkins. They can be presented along with a plate, beautifully arranged in a napkin holder, or simply placed under a dish. There are no limits to imagination here. The main thing is that everything looks harmonious.
Classic fan in stand
This is the simplest and classic way arranging napkins in a stand. Housewives love it for its ease of implementation and the fact that this option will fit perfectly into any design style.
Fan formation:
- folded napkins are folded in half diagonally to form a triangle;
- We fill the napkin holder with such triangles in one direction so that we get a fan.
“Lotus shape” or double-sided fan – a little variety in life
This option is based on the previous one and looks like this. The napkin holder is filled with folded triangles, first in one direction, then repeat the procedure in the opposite direction. Thus, 2 counter “movements” are obtained. This option is suitable for ‘active’ and ‘expressive’ festive table setting.
The double-sided fan may look a little different:
- first, half a fan is formed from triangular napkins in a stand;
- then fill the second part of the napkin holder in a mirror image;
- then the middle is formed from triangles, one of the corners of which ‘looks’ up.
The result is a fan that opens from the center in both directions. This option will look harmonious in a narrow and small stand, which will allow you to place them on the table next to almost every guest. This way, everyone will be comfortable eating and enjoying dinner.
Waterfall in a cup or glass
A simple and modern way to decorate napkins for a festive table. This option is more suitable for decorating in grunge, modern or high-tech style. After all, the laconicism of the composition is “at its best.”
Forming a “waterfall”:
- The napkins must be folded in half along one side. You should end up with a rectangle;
- then we put these strips of napkins into a stack;
- Insert the rectangles into a not very high special bowl with the short end down. The result should be a cascade or waterfall of napkins that fall onto the wall of the vase. In the absence of special utensils, the bowl can be replaced with a shallow cup or glass. By the way, such a composition will look very impressive in a crystal glass on a stem.
Flower in a glass or large bouquet in a vase
Flowers are pleasing to the eye, lift your spirits and give you a feeling of celebration. Bouquets and compositions on the festive table can be made not only of fresh flowers. Some designers produce entire lines of table decorations made from artificial flowers. But other stylists have come to the conclusion that this type of decoration can be made from napkins. Yes, from regular napkins for guests. They can be like fabric, or they can be simple paper. Howling, in the hands of a skilled person, everything can ‘open up’ with a pleasant color.
We “revive” napkins:
- unfold the napkin. Then we begin to fold it into a strip about 4-5 cm wide and do this starting from the corner;
- then we roll the resulting strip into a roller. We form the middle and “open” the petals. This way you will get a delicate rose bud.
This flower can be placed in a small glass and placed near each guest. Or you can go another way. And build a whole ekibano from rosebuds in a large and wide plate-bowl. If desired, the composition can be supplemented with live branches of olive, coffee, pine needles or other plants. The combination will turn out to be very unusual.
Spanish fan in a glass
For a pompous and pretentious table setting, you can fold napkins in the shape of a Spanish fan. By raising this element into a glass or wine glass, you can get a powerful dynamic tool for creating volume on the holiday table.
How to make a Spanish fan. Simple steps for great results:
- the folded napkin must be unfolded once to form a rectangle;
- starting from the long side, fold the napkin like an accordion;
- We press the tip with the resulting accordion so that the fan holds. Using the same end, we insert the napkin into the glass and open the top. Voila! The Spanish fan of passion is ready. Bon appetit!
We decorate the table - layout of napkins in plates and options for combinations with cutlery
In addition to napkins in stands, there should be napkins on the table that are laid out near each guest. They serve as a “frame” for the plate, delimit the seating area and help in serving cutlery.
Playful bow with ring
Many companies that produce kitchen utensils produce special napkin rings. Having passed through such a ring, the napkin will look much more impressive. But if you don’t do it the classic way and make an unusual shape, the table will look even more attractive.
Step-by-step creation of a bow:
- unfold the napkin. Then fold it diagonally;
- Fold the corner a little so that it doesn’t stick out from under the bow. Fold the napkin from the long side to the folded corner;
- Visually divide the resulting strip of napkin into 3 parts. Fold the 2 outermost ones onto the central one;
- fall carefully, the bow is still “alive”, pass the napkin through the ring;
- straighten the bow loops and pull the ends down. The playful table decoration is ready!
“Butterfly” with a satin ribbon - dress code for the table
This option for folding a napkin will appeal to avid needlewomen and craftswomen. It requires a little more effort than a similar option with a ring. Besides cloth napkin, you'll still need some tape. You can also use various braided cords and twines and decorate the butterfly with beads.
How to tie a bow tie for your plate:
- fold the edges of the napkin towards the center;
- fold the napkin in half again so that the edges remain inside the fold;
- mentally divide the resulting strip into 3 parts and fold the outer 2 onto the central one;
- tie the middle of the “butterfly” satin ribbon or other braid. A strict but very cute “butterfly” is ready!
Heraldic lily blossomed in a plate
For the classic decoration of the holiday table, it is necessary to select the appropriate design and method of decorating napkins. After all, not only the color and tone of the elements must match. Cut, style, model and design undoubtedly play a role important role. The voluminous fleur-de-lis is a form that will look great not only in the classic style, but also in gothic style, in the Art Nouveau style, and even in the Scandinavian style.
To create a lily, in addition to a special napkin ring and the napkin itself, you will need a little time and patience. This is not the easiest element to perform.
Step by step instructions:
- fold the napkin in half;
- then bend the upper corners towards the center;
- Now repeat the procedures with the lower corners and bend them towards the central corner. You should now have a diamond shape;
- the upper edges that were bent into last time, you need to bend 1/4 of the entire diamond. Thus, blanks for a fleur-de-lis are obtained. In order for the flower to ‘open’, you need to put a napkin ring on it. This must be done from the bottom of the workpiece. Afterwards you can straighten the petals a little. And the flower is ready!
One move, but how stylish - a “tie” for a fork
This option is more reminiscent of a playful decoration for cutlery than a serving of napkins in the classical sense. This design of plates and forks is more suitable for modern stylistic decision according to the design of the festive table. A couple of light movements and the grunge style decor is ready.
We knit a beautiful “tie”:
- Unfold the napkin and fold opposite ends from center to middle;
- fold the rectangle in half so that the free edges remain inside;
- fold the napkin in half again, but with the short edges facing each other;
- At the bend of the rectangle, a loop is formed into which the free edges must be threaded. And the main thing is not to forget to put a fork, knife or spoon in a bundle. This will create a “tie” for the device. Stylish, simple and very original!
An envelope or something from a restaurant on your table
This method will fit perfectly into almost any stylistic direction. In addition to its beautiful appearance, it also carries a functional load. You can put cutlery in it and thus arrange their serving. You can also add a name card, fresh flowers and other decorative elements.
Instructions for creating a pocket:
- unfold the napkin. Fold the top right corner and the bottom left corner towards the center. But note that the top corner should be folded slightly less than the bottom;
- carefully place the right half (from the center) on the left;
- then bend the lower left corner;
- Fold the napkin in half again. Only this time from the bottom up. At the same time, be extremely careful - the corners that were bent should remain that way. You should end up with a square with beveled corners at the top left;
- turn the square face down. Fold it in half - from right to left;
- turn the product over again. As a result, you will get a rectangle with beveled cuts into which you can insert cutlery or a sprig of lavender or olive. And please your guests!
Options that create additional volume and individual compositions on the festive table
Volumetric options from napkins can be used as one of the elements that will set the “pace” and compositional “movement” of your table. Such forms can include candles from napkins, fleur-de-lis, or voluminous flowers in plates and on the side. It depends on your imagination.
Star, flower or snowflake - call this beauty what you want
The floral theme can be seen in clothing design, in interiors and even in table settings. There are flowers on the table, both live in compositions and artificial: panels and even roses and lilies from napkins. Continuing this theme, napkins on the festive table can be folded in the shape of a lotus flower or an unusual snowflake.
Step by step instructions:
- unfold the napkin. Fold the corners towards the center to form a diamond shape;
- carefully turn the diamond face down;
- Fold the corners towards the center again to form a square. There will be visible cuts on the corners of the napkin;
- very carefully with back side Pull the last corners of the napkin right side out. They should "look" up. Pull out all 4 ends. This way you will get the perfect fantasy flower or diamond-shaped snowflake.
The perfect flower for every guest
This option is one of the most difficult. It requires a lot of effort and time. You will also need to be patient. But the result will delight and surprise your guests.
Step-by-step instructions for “making” an aster from a napkin:
- unfold the napkin. Then we make 2 counter warehouses - along the central fold;
- repeat the manipulations on the short sides. Smooth the curve lines with your fingers. This is a blank with marked lines;
- We unfold the base until the moment with the first 2 opposing warehouses. There will be 4 squares at the top and bottom of the central fold;
- you need to make 8 squares out of 4. To do this, bend the short side towards you, then make an “accordion” away from you and leave it. On the other hand, we repeat the manipulations;
- we form the petals. To do this, fold the ribs of the accordion inward and smooth out the folds with your fingers. Just fold not the whole rib, but ¼ of it;
- we connect the outer ribs to each other - “open” the aster. Fix the flower with your fingers and place it on a plate. Now your guests will enjoy not only delicious food and pleasant company, but also receive aesthetic pleasure from decorating the festive table. Create with your soul!
Voila! Astra revealed itself
It's not only interesting creative process, but also useful for the development of motor skills.
Both adults and children.
Beautiful, solemn, neat and useful.
"Tiara and Lily"
1. Initially, the napkin is folded diagonally (fold at the bottom)
2. Align the two side corners with the top.
3. Fold the napkin so that the bottom corner is 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the top.
4. Bend the top corner down to the fold.
5a. Fold the sides back and insert one into the other to form a circle at the base.
5b. Place the napkin straight.
6. Lily style
We perform operations 1-5 (see above).
To fold the napkin in the lily style, fold the top two corners down.
"Sachet corners"
1. Initially, the napkin is folded in four with the front side facing out (open corners in the upper right part)
2. Fold the first layer of napkin fabric diagonally so that the corner is at the bottom left point.
3. Fold the second layer of fabric so that its corner touches the central fold. Fold the first corner from below so that it touches the corner at the central fold.
4. Fold the bottom right and top left corners back.
5. Place the napkin on the table in the direction of the cutlery away from you.
"Flame"
1. Initially, the napkin is folded diagonally.
2. Fold the resulting triangle like an accordion, leaving a small triangle on top.
3. Secure the accordion with the top.
4. Now fold the shape in half.
5. The resulting figure can be secured with a ring or decorative elements.
"Royal Robe"
1. Initially, the napkin is folded diagonally with a downward angle.
3. Bend them up.
4. Fold the top of the top of the two bottom triangles up to the middle.
5. Fold in half again and again, going over the top half of the napkin. Bend the lower part (the remaining triangle) back. Fasten the side corners to each other and pull out the points.
6. Bend the points of the “royal mantle” down and secure them behind the welt.
"Royal Lily"
1. Initially, the napkin lies face down.
2. Bend all its corners one by one towards the center.
3. Turn the napkin over.
4. Fold the corners towards the center again.
5. Holding the corners in the center, pull out the corners from below so that they form “petals.”
"Twisted tent"
1. Initially, the napkin is folded in half (fold at the top).
2. Align the lower left corner of the napkin with its lower right part to form an isosceles triangle on top.
3. Move the right corner to the right.
4. Repeat step 2, move the lower right corner to the left.
5. Bend the right half of the triangle to the left.
6. Roll the napkin from left to right.
7. Place the napkin in a vertical position without unfolding it completely.
"Lily"
2. Align the left and right corners with the vertex of the triangle.
3. Fold the napkin in half along the horizontal axis.
4. Bend down the top triangle.
"Trail"
1. Fold the napkin diagonally.
2. Align the left and right corners of the triangle with its vertex.
3. Fold the figure in half relative to the horizontal axis.
4. Connect the right corner with the left corner at the back of the napkin and place one inside the other.
5. Rotate the figure. Pull the sharp corners facing upward to the right and left respectively.
Place the napkin vertically.