How to Fold a Fancy Napkin

A nicely folded napkin makes a formal table setting look complete. For your next dinner party, take a few minutes to fold the napkins into a simple but stylish pyramid shape — a trick often used in fancy restaurants. Be sure to use your best cloth napkins, as they will be front and center, on top of the plates.

Things You'll Need

• A napkin (cloth works best)

Instructions

1. Lay out the napkin so it is completely flat. If the napkin has a right side and a wrong side, make sure the right side is facedown on the table. Position the napkin so that one corner is facing you.

2. Fold the top corner of the napkin to the opposite corner — the one nearest you — to make a triangle.

3. Take one of the side corners and fold it down to the bottom corner.

4. Do the same with the other side. You should now have a square.

5. Flip the square over so you are looking at the non-folded side.

6. Fold the bottom corner up to the top corner to make a triangle again. The triangle should have a fold down the center.

7. Carefully pick up the napkin while folding the two corners back towards each other. Once folded, the napkin will sit nicely on a plate. Position the fold to face the diner, with the corners pointing toward the center of the table.

Tips & Warnings

• This fold works best with stiffer material; silky fabrics may not be able to hold the pyramid shape. Try starching and ironing your napkins for the crispest look.

• Once you have shown your new found skill to your friends and family, Don't be surprised if you are asked to do the napkins when invited for dinner. :)

References

• "The Perfect Wedding Details"; Maria McBride-Mellinger