How to: Cocktail Napkin Gift Bows

Paper cocktail napkins make colorful bows.

Bows come in a variety of colors and textures. Mass produced bows all look alike and get crushed when packed in big plastic bags. Custom bows are pricey and designed to coordinate with equally pricey custom paper. Make paper bows that coordinate with your function using the cocktail napkins for the party. Cocktail napkins come in 5 or 6-inch squares. Because manufacturers print cocktail napkins on one side, your bow will have a soft variegated look.

Things You'll Need

• 3 or 4 cocktail napkins
• Scissors
• 4-inch string
• Tape (optional)

Instructions

1. Stack three or four cocktail napkins.

2. Trim the folded edges of the napkins with scissors, creating a stack of single sheets of paper.

3. Fold a 1/2-inch strip in the stack. Turn over the stack and fold a 1/2-inch strip the other way. Continue accordion pleating the entire stack in ½ -inch increments.

4. Tie the string around the center of the folded napkins.

5. Separate each sheet of bow by pulling upward. Start with the top sheet from the stack and fluff each layer as you pull.

6. Arrange the layers of your bow to hide the string.

7. Tie the string from the center of your bow to the ribbon on the package. If there is no ribbon, tape the bottom layer of the bow to the package.

Tips & Warnings

• Try alternating solid and printed cocktail napkins for a different look.

• Since the string is hidden by the bow, any string will do. If you wish to tie the bow with curling ribbon, cut an 18-inch piece of ribbon. Tie the bow in the center of the ribbon and curl both ends by pulling the blade of scissors across the flat edge of the ribbon.

References

• Education World: Tissue Paper Bows
• Old Bags and Stufft Shirts: Tissue Paper Bows
• Michel Design Works: Cocktail Napkins