How to Fold a Napkin With a Napkin Ring

A lot of people love to entertain both family and friends in the comfort of their own home. No matter the reason, many enjoy setting a beautiful table that is made complete by perfectly crisp linens. Folded and wonderfully displayed napkins can make a table look gorgeous and sophisticated. A napkin ring can ensure that the linens on your table will be arranged to perfection.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose the napkins and napkin rings that will be used. These choices may have an effect on which folding methods are reasonable for use.

2. Decide what method will be used to fold the napkin. These might include an easy free form style, a standard scroll roll, a fan, a fleur di lis fold, a ring fold, a peacock fold, a rabbit ear fold, or a bow fold.

3. Iron each napkin, if necessary, to assure that it doesn’t have any wrinkles. Then, lay a napkin out on a flat surface.

4. 
    

   Prepare an easy free form napkin by picking a flat napkin up in the center, placing it between your fore finger and thumb. Using that center, stuff it into a napkin ring, arranging the points of the napkin as desired.

5. 
    

   Roll a scrolled napkin by folding a flat napkin in half. Starting at one end, roll the napkin loosely, securing it with a napkin ring in the center.

6. 
    

   Roll a fanned napkin by folding a flat napkin in half. Starting at one end of the napkin, begin pleating it like a fan at about 1” increments, being careful to make the pleats as sharp as possible. Secure the napkin at one end with a napkin ring, allowing the pleats to fan out at the top.

7. 
    

   Roll a napkin in a fleur de lis by folding a flat napkin into a triangle with the open end facing you. Fold the point away from you over the top of the fold to about 1 ½”. Then loosely pleat the napkin from end to end. Place the base of the napkin into a deep, free standing napkin ring.

8. 
    

   Roll a napkin in a peacock fold by folding the napkin into thirds. Gather the bottom of the napkin where the ends are located loosely. Secure with a napkin ring to form a loose fanned look like that of a peacock.

9. 
    

   Roll a napkin in a bow fold by folding the napkin in half. Then fold the ends of the napkin in thirds from both ends. Place a napkin ring around the center and fluff both ends of the napkin to form a bow.

10. 
     

    Roll a rabbit ear fold by folding a flat napkin into a triangle. Beginning at the long end of the napkin, roll it tightly to the pointed end to form a long roll. Fold the roll in half and stick it into a free-standing napkin ring to form what appears to be rabbit ears.

Tips & Warnings

• The most elegant napkin folds require napkins with some "body" to them. Anything too thin or flimsy won't fold properly.
• Practice makes perfect.
• Don't rush. It takes time to fold a napkin properly.