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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This fold is delightfully easy and creates a sleek rectangular shape for your linens. Accentuated by a small ornamental feature, this fold provides a splash of simplicity in an otherwise complicated tablescape. It’s perfect for Easter (we love these DIY marbled eggs), but can be tailored to any occasion.

To do it: Lay the napkin out flat on the table. Fold in half horizontally. Fold the left side vertically to meet at 1/3 the length of the napkin. Fold right side in once to meet at 1/3 from the right side, then fold once more so the two sides overlap.

You’ve seen this fold countless times in five-star restaurants, and now you can recreate it in your own home. With only six simple steps, the fold is much easier to master than it looks. If you’re hosting a dinner party, these elegant napkin folds are sure to impress the guests. Find the step-by-step tutorial here.

Napkin rings are an easy way to make any tablescape look elegant and refined. This is the ultimate hack to those who just can’t seem to master a more complicated napkin fold. Don’t have a set of stunning napkin rings at home? Don’t worry! This simple tutorial shows you how to make DIY napkin rings with a few simple supplies.

To do it: Lay the napkin out flat on the table. Pinch the center and lift up. Hold napkin ring over pinched end and slide down until it reaches the center of the napkin.

This slight variation on the traditional Napkin Ring fold is oh-so-easy and results in an elegant, sleek effect. To accomplish this fold, execute the Napkin Ring Fold and, instead of sliding the napkin ring to the center of the napkin, merely slide the ring an inch away from the top of the napkin. Fold the sides underneath to create a triangle shape and arrange as you please.

For this more casual variation on the clean-cut napkin roll, use our standard napkin roll tutorial with a few small alterations. This fold shows off the silver design by leaving the ends exposed, while the rest of the silverware is tucked into the napkin roll. Instead of tucking the ends under, leave them to fan out slightly and tie the bundle with a piece of twine. These napkins are perfect for a casual, yet elegant picnic.

If you really want to show off your evening china, why cover the pattern up with a clunky napkin? This fold allows you to elegantly tuck linens in your wine glasses for a whimsical, refined presentation. Find the step-by-step tutorial here.

This loose, casual fold draws inspiration from the classic napkin ring, but keeps the look approachable with the help of a sheer ribbon. This easy, breezy fold proves that perfection isn’t always your best bet—sometimes your table will look just as polished with a simpler napkin fold.

To do it: Lay the napkin out flat on the table and rotate to make a diamond shape. Hold the two middle ends and pinch towards the center, tucking the ends underneath the napkin. Tie a sheer ribbon in the center of the napkin and let the two exposed ends fan out.