How to Fold a Napkin Like a Water Lily

Napkin folding is an art that creates shapes out of plain squares of fabric. These shapes add a touch of elegance to a dining table by providing a focal point. The folded water lily works well in fine dining settings when it is placed in the center of each place. The middle of the waterlily can be filled with accents like a single, real flower head. Use stiff, firm napkins when folding the water lily to ensure they hold their form. The crisper the folds, the better the napkin will look. Use large napkins for ease of folding.

Instructions

1. Lay a square, fabric napkin on a table in front of you and turn it so so the corners are pointing up and down and to the sides, in a diamond shape.

2. Fold all four corners in so they meet at the center. Fold all the new corners into the middle again.

3. Flip the napkin over so you are working on the opposite side and fold all four corners into the middle again. The folds will be thick at this point.

4. Hold the napkin together with one hand. Reach underneath each corner with the other hand and pull the corners out so they fold open. Reach under the middle of the sides, in between the open corners, and pull out the smaller corners so they fan open.

References

• Roter Ochs: Waterlily
• Fold a Napkin: Water Lily