How to Fold a Formal Napkin

Setting a exquisite dinner table can be quite an art. Place settings made of fine china together with cloth napkins that are folded in a special shape will give an artistic look to any dining table. Napkin folding is quite simple and can be done in a variety of ways. It will make guests feel special when they see that the host has taken the time to decorate the dining table. Read the following steps and learn how to fold a formal napkin to make your next dinner party one to remember.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cloth napkins
• Napkin rings
• Ribbon

1. Iron all of the cloth napkins so that there are no visible wrinkles. If necessary, dampen with water to iron out wrinkles.

2. Place the opened cloth napkin on a table. Fold it into quarters and set it diagonally on the table. The center, which is now folded, should be at the top.

3. Grab the corner on the right side of the napkin and make several pleats towards the center and hold in place. Grab the corner on the left side and again make several pleats towards the center. Join these pleats with the pleats from the right side and hold in one hand.

4. Take a napkin ring and slide it over the top of the napkin. It should go down only about 4 inches.

5. Spread out the bottom of the napkin to form a fan. The top of the napkin can also be spread out to form a smaller fan. The napkin can now be placed on the table or on the plate setting.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of a napkin ring, use ribbon or raffia to tie the center of the napkin.
• Place a flower in between the cloth napkin and the napkin ring.
• Make sure that the napkin ring is large enough in diameter to fit the pleated napkin.

Resources

• Tips for creating a Fleur de lys napkin fold