5 Different Napkin Folds That’ll Instantly Dress Up Your Table Settings

By Maggie Burch

The art of setting a table is one Southerners know well and practice often. And any veteran hostess knows the way to keep your table looking fresh dinner party after dinner party is to switch up the details. One of the most basic elements of table-setting that is surprisingly versatile is the dinner napkin. Of course they’re a necessary part of polite dining, but your dinner napkins can make quite the visual statement as well, depending on how your fold and present them. You don’t need to be an origami master to get the hang of the 5 folding techniques below, but you’ll undoubtedly impress your guests with each one you test out.

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The Napkin Roll

Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

We’ll start simple with a classic napkin roll that’s perfect for keeping a clean, minimalist table setting by hiding your silverware inside the napkin. If you’ve set up a buffet for serving food, wrapping up silverware in a tidy napkin roll makes the whole process of getting a plate and making it to a table much easier on your guests. Secure your rolls with a cute ribbon or napkin ring to keep everything in place. Check out the step-by-step guide here.

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The Simple Triangle

Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Rachael Burrow

This is another easy napkin fold that prominently places your monogrammed or embroidered linens on display. You can add a ribbon or ring to add some volume to your napkins, or they can be folded flat and placed under the top plate or bowl at each setting, leaving just the monogram visible.

To do it: Simply fold your napkin into square quarters, and then orient the napkin so the monogrammed corner is facing you. Fold the left and right sides under the napkin evenly, creating a narrower point at the top.

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The Napkin Pocket

Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Mindi Shapiro

Lend a touch of formality to your traditional rectangle napkin fold by creating a pocket to slip silverware into. The pocket is also the perfect place to tuck in a flower stem or sprig of herbs for a more organic tablescape. Check out the step-by-step guide here.

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The Basket Napkin

Stephen Karlisch

If you’re ready to wow your guests with a dynamic table setting, try out the basket napkin folding technique. This will add height to your place settings and the little “baskets” it creates are perfect for holding place cards, fruit, or flowers that will add to your overall theme. Learn how to make this surprisingly easy napkin fold here.

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The Bow Tie Napkin

Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Mindi Shapiro

Even if your event isn’t formal enough to require wearing bow ties, your table can be dressed to the nines by folding your napkins into dapper bows and displaying them on top of your plates. The right ribbon can dress up even the simplest of napkins. Check out the how-to video, here.

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