Gatherings are all about making memories, and setting a festive scene is a fun way to make your event memorable right out of the gate. When it comes to tablescapes, centerpieces tend to get all the glory, but today, we’re focusing on an often-overlooked detail — napkins! Check out these 10 easy napkin folding ideas for your next dinner party.
Christmas Tree Napkins
These folded Christmas tree napkins can be styled in a variety of fun ways. Top with a bow, like @debtrette does here, or throw in a cinnamon stick or two to act as the trunk. You can also leave your napkin trees unembellished — or even halt the folding process before the final “tucks” to create a cool design that looks a little less like a Christmas tree.
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Napkin Roses
The napkin roses look complicated — like you spent painstaking hours preparing for guests. But trust us, this method is incredibly quick and easy once you have a couple under your belt. Depending on your table setting, these roses can be placed on top of your plates or nestled into a small bowl or teacup. Save this tutorial from @ventunoart to watch any time you need a refresher!
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Fork-Twirling Napkin Hack
We’ve had this video from @simplystyledinspo saved for quite some time! This simple fork-twirling tip creates a similar effect as the roses in the previous video but with a looser, more “deconstructed” feel. We love her combination of linen-look napkins, dehydrated oranges, and sprigs of fresh greenery.
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Envelope Napkin Fold
This technique, demonstrated by @stylepashion, mimics the look of an envelope. In this tutorial, her napkins are styled for a pretty-in-pastels Mother’s Day tablescape, but these envelope-inspired napkins could easily become whimsical letters to Santa.
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Classic Triple Pocket Fold
This traditional technique, demonstrated beautifully by @cookwithmanuela, is refined and a great way to save table space if you’re short on room! Or, if real estate isn’t an issue, you can tuck other items into the folds, like candy canes, breadsticks, fresh herbs, or party favors.
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Furoshiki-Style Wrapping
Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese fabric-wrapping technique that can be used for a variety of items, including gifts. If you plan on including favors of any kind in your place settings, this idea from @zoeylouisedesign is great!
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Heart Napkins
While you may see visions of Valentine’s Day table settings when hearts are mentioned, they’re actually pretty timeless — especially styled in this monochromatic winter white table by @peri_azizov. Throw in some evergreen for the holidays, and you’re in business.
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Velvet Bow Ties
Velvet ribbons of all widths and colors are a fun way to infuse a quick dose of luxury into your party decor. This simple method from @sandra_gabaliene requires very little actual folding — most of the work lies in tying the bow. Add labeled gift tags for easy seating assignments or a sprig of rosemary for a fragrant touch.
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Teacup Bow Napkins
While @stephaniehannahome created this tutorial with Easter in mind, these teacup bow napkins are adorable for so many occasions! Imagine these lined up at a coffee and dessert stage or lining your tables for an afternoon tea. You can apply the same folding technique with a napkin ring rather than a teacup handle, too! Which brings us to our final tutorial …
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Napkin Ring Folds
If you want to dress up your napkins without the extra effort of folding, napkin rings are always a great option. This tutorial from @amnaniazi81 demonstrates two super easy ways to make yours look fabulous in a hurry — with only a little folding involved.
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For more entertaining ideas, follow StyleBlueprint on Pinterest!
