How to Fold Victorian Napkins
The art of napery or napkin folding fits beautifully into the Victorian style of elaborate and romantic décor. Victorian napkins often were edged in lace, and embroidered with flowers and monograms.These authentic classic folds from the Victorian Era turn napkins into ornaments and add distinction to your table setting. They are taken from "Mrs. Beeton's Every-Day Cookery," written by Isabella Beeton in 1912. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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The Classic Fan Fold
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1
Lightly starch and iron approximately 30-inch square linen napkins.
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2
Fold each napkin in three by folding the bottom third of the napkin up, and then folding the top third down over it.
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3
Turn the folded cloth so you are working on the short side, and begin finger-pleating.
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4
Hold the napkin by the bottom of the pleats and place in a crystal glass or napkin ring.
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5
Fan out pleats.
The Classic Double Fan Fold
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Use 30-inch square linen napkins that have been lightly starched and smoothly ironed.
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7
Fold the napkin in half, and then half again.
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8
Bring the top right side back to the fold and on top of it.
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9
Bring the bottom right side back to the fold on the bottom. From the side you will have an "M" shape.
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10
Work on the short side and begin finger-pleating the cloth. Place the pleated napkin in a glass or napkin ring and fan out the front and back pleats.
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Tips & Warnings
Try other napkin folds found in these authentic instructions and engravings from "Mrs. Beeton's Every-Day Cookery" by Mrs. Isabella Beeton, published by Ward, Lock & Co., Limited, in 1912.
The napkins will not hold the pleats unless they are starched and ironed.
