How beautiful it is to serve napkins on the table. How to fold paper napkins beautifully? Making your own napkins

Festive table setting is always different from everyday. Sometimes it’s dishes with beautiful patterns, sometimes it’s candles and panels of fresh flowers, and sometimes it’s just beautifully and stylishly folded napkins. Moreover, the latter is the easiest to do! Beautiful paper napkins can always liven up and add a “holiday touch” to your table. Using the same piece of fabric you can get the most amazing results!

Arrangement of napkins in vases and stands

This is interesting: Beautiful and proper festive table setting at home: dishes, napkins, decor + 165 PHOTOS

A napkin holder is a special cutlery that, in addition to its functionality, can bring a touch of celebration and luxury to the dining table. There are a large number of options for manufacturing materials. And this is another way to express a particular style of decorating a holiday table. Anyone who has a special avant-garde attitude to the formation of table settings can use several types of napkin holders at once. The combination of crystal and forged metal on a white tablecloth will look non-trivial. A composition of wooden utensils and clay products will fit perfectly into the rustic style.

Stylists, designers and experts in the design of special ceremonies offer a large number of options for designing napkins. They can be presented along with a plate, beautifully arranged in a napkin holder, or simply placed under a dish. There are no limits to imagination here. The main thing is that everything looks harmonious.

Classic fan in stand

This is the simplest and most classic way to arrange napkins in a stand. Housewives love it for its ease of implementation and the fact that this option will fit perfectly into any design style.

Fan formation:

folded napkins are folded in half diagonally to form a triangle;
We fill the napkin holder with such triangles in one direction so that we get a fan.

“Lotus shape” or double-sided fan – a little variety in life

This option is based on the previous one and looks like this. The napkin holder is filled with folded triangles, first in one direction, then repeat the procedure in the opposite direction. Thus, 2 counter “movements” are obtained. This option is suitable for ‘active’ and ‘expressive’ festive table setting.

The double-sided fan may look a little different:

first, half a fan is formed from triangular napkins in a stand;
then fill the second part of the napkin holder in a mirror image;
then the middle is formed from triangles, one of the corners of which ‘looks’ up.

The result is a fan that opens from the center in both directions. This option will look harmonious in a narrow and small stand, which will allow you to place them on the table next to almost every guest. This way, everyone will be comfortable eating and enjoying dinner.

Waterfall in a cup or glass

A simple and modern way to decorate napkins for a festive table. This option is more suitable for decorating in grunge, modern or high-tech style. After all, the laconicism of the composition is “at its best.”

Forming a “waterfall”:

The napkins must be folded in half along one side. You should end up with a rectangle;
then we put these strips of napkins into a stack;
Insert the rectangles into a not very high special bowl with the short end down. The result should be a cascade or waterfall of napkins that fall onto the wall of the vase. In the absence of special utensils, the bowl can be replaced with a shallow cup or glass. By the way, such a composition will look very impressive in a crystal glass on a stem.

Flower in a glass or large bouquet in a vase

Flowers are pleasing to the eye, lift your spirits and give you a feeling of celebration. Bouquets and compositions on the festive table can be made not only of fresh flowers. Some designers produce entire lines of table decorations made from artificial flowers. But other stylists have come to the conclusion that this type of decoration can be made from napkins. Yes, from regular napkins for guests. They can be like fabric, or they can be simple paper. Howling, in the hands of a skilled person, everything can ‘open up’ with a pleasant color.

We “revive” napkins:

unfold the napkin. Then we begin to fold it into a strip about 4-5 cm wide and do this starting from the corner;
then we roll the resulting strip into a roller. We form the middle and “open” the petals. This way you will get a delicate rose bud.

This flower can be placed in a small glass and placed near each guest. Or you can go another way. And build a whole ekibano from rosebuds in a large and wide plate-bowl. If desired, the composition can be supplemented with live branches of olive, coffee, pine needles or other plants. The combination will turn out to be very unusual.

Spanish fan in a glass

For a pompous and pretentious table setting, you can fold napkins in the shape of a Spanish fan. By raising this element into a glass or wine glass, you can get a powerful dynamic tool for creating volume on the holiday table.

How to make a Spanish fan. Simple steps for great results:

the folded napkin must be unfolded once to form a rectangle;
starting from the long side, fold the napkin like an accordion;
We press the tip with the resulting accordion so that the fan holds. We insert the napkin into the glass with the same end, and open the top. Voila! The Spanish fan of passion is ready. Bon appetit!

We decorate the table - layout of napkins in plates and options for combinations with cutlery

In addition to napkins in stands, there should be napkins on the table that are laid out near each guest. They serve as a “frame” for the plate, delimit the seating area and help in serving cutlery.

Playful bow with ring

Many companies that produce kitchen utensils produce special napkin rings. Having passed through such a ring, the napkin will look much more impressive. But if you don’t do it the classic way and make an unusual figure, the table will look even more attractive.

Step-by-step creation of a bow:

unfold the napkin. Then fold it diagonally;
Fold the corner a little so that it doesn’t stick out from under the bow. Fold the napkin from the long side to the folded corner;
Visually divide the resulting strip of napkin into 3 parts. Fold the 2 outermost ones onto the central one;
fall carefully, the bow is still “alive”, pass the napkin through the ring;
straighten the bow loops and pull the ends down. The playful table decoration is ready!

“Butterfly” with satin ribbon – dress code for the table

This option for folding a napkin will appeal to avid needlewomen and craftswomen. It requires a little more effort than a similar option with a ring. In addition to the cloth napkin, you will also need ribbons. You can also use various braided cords and twines and decorate the butterfly with beads.

How to tie a bow tie for your plate:

fold the edges of the napkin towards the center;
fold the napkin in half again so that the edges remain inside the fold;
mentally divide the resulting strip into 3 parts and fold the outer 2 onto the central one;
tie the middle of the “butterfly” with a satin ribbon or other braid. A strict but very cute “butterfly” is ready!

Heraldic lily blossomed in a plate

For the classic decoration of the holiday table, it is necessary to select the appropriate design and method of decorating napkins. After all, not only the color and tone of the elements must match. Cut, style, model and design undoubtedly play an important role. The voluminous fleur-de-lis is a form that will look great not only in the classical style, but also in the Gothic style, Art Nouveau style, and even Scandinavian style.

To create a lily, in addition to a special napkin ring and the napkin itself, you will need a little time and patience. This is not the easiest element to perform.

Step by step instructions:

fold the napkin in half;
then bend the upper corners towards the center;
Now repeat the procedures with the lower corners and bend them towards the central corner. You should now have a diamond shape;
the upper edges that were folded last time must be bent back 1/4 of the entire diamond. Thus, blanks for a fleur-de-lis are obtained. In order for the flower to ‘open’, you need to put a napkin ring on it. This must be done from the bottom of the workpiece. Afterwards you can straighten the petals a little. And the flower is ready!

One move, but how stylish - a “tie” for a fork

This option is more reminiscent of a playful decoration for cutlery than a serving of napkins in the classical sense. This design of plates and forks is more suitable for a modern stylistic solution for the design of a festive table. A couple of light movements and the grunge style decor is ready.

We knit a beautiful “tie”:

Unfold the napkin and fold opposite ends from center to middle;
fold the rectangle in half so that the free edges remain inside;
fold the napkin in half again, but with the short edges facing each other;
At the bend of the rectangle, a loop is formed into which the free edges must be threaded. And the main thing is not to forget to put a fork, knife or spoon in a bundle. This will create a “tie” for the device. Stylish, simple and very original!

An envelope or something from a restaurant on your table

This method will fit perfectly into almost any stylistic direction. In addition to its beautiful appearance, it also carries a functional load. You can put cutlery in it and thus arrange their serving. You can also add a name card, fresh flowers and other decorative elements.

Instructions for creating a pocket:

unfold the napkin. Fold the top right corner and the bottom left corner towards the center. But note that the top corner should be folded slightly less than the bottom;
carefully place the right half (from the center) on the left;
then bend the lower left corner;
Fold the napkin in half again. Only this time from the bottom up. At the same time, be extremely careful - the corners that were bent should remain that way. You should end up with a square with beveled corners at the top left;
turn the square face down. Fold it in half - from right to left;
turn the product over again. As a result, you will get a rectangle with beveled cuts into which you can insert cutlery or a sprig of lavender or olive. And please your guests!

Options that create additional volume and individual compositions on the holiday table

Volumetric options from napkins can be used as one of the elements that will set the “pace” and compositional “movement” of your table. Such forms can include candles from napkins, fleur-de-lis, or voluminous flowers in plates and on the side. It depends on your imagination.

Star, flower or snowflake - call this beauty what you want

The floral theme can be seen in clothing design, in interiors and even in table settings. There are flowers on the table, both live in compositions and artificial: panels and even roses and lilies from napkins. Continuing this theme, napkins on the festive table can be folded in the shape of a lotus flower or an unusual snowflake.

Step-by-step instruction:

unfold the napkin. Fold the corners towards the center to form a diamond shape;
carefully turn the diamond face down;
Fold the corners towards the center again to form a square. There will be visible cuts on the corners of the napkin;
Very carefully, from the back, pull the last corners of the napkin onto the front side. They should "look" up. Pull out all 4 ends. This way you will get the perfect fantasy flower or diamond-shaped snowflake.

Useful tips

As a rule, the festive table is decorated with interesting dishes, beautiful glasses and cutlery, but all this is perfectly complemented by original folded napkins for guests.

Paper napkins can be folded in many different ways to make your table more elegant and make a great impression on everyone.

Here are the most interesting ways to fold paper napkins for any table and for any event:

How to quickly fold paper napkins

1. Place the folded napkin on the table so that the corner where all the folds meet is on top (see image).

2. Start folding the bottom ends of the napkin upward, but leave a little space at the top after each folded end.

3. When you have folded all the ends of the napkin, turn it over.

4. Turn the napkin with the large end down so that it is shaped like the Superman sign.

5. Fold the left and right sides into thirds, one on top of the other.

6. Turn the napkin over.

*If you wish, you can put a beautiful stamp on the tip of the napkin.

Beautifully folded paper napkins

1. Fold the laid out paper napkin in half and in half again to form a small square.

2. Fold the top layer of the napkin in half diagonally and press gently.

3. Turn the napkin over and fold the (now different) top layer diagonally again.

4. Fold the right side of the napkin by 1/3 and fold the left side by a third over the right.

5. Turn the napkin over and you can put cutlery in the pocket formed.

Beautiful paper napkins on the table: double fan

1. Place the napkin laid out on the table.

2. Fold in half (from bottom to top).

3. Bend the top layer down (towards the bottom edge).

4. Turn the napkin over.

5. Fold the top layer down (toward the bottom edge).

6. Fold the napkin evenly like an accordion.

7. Take the napkin in your hand so that there are 2 layers on top. Fold the first layer inside each inner accordion piece downwards (see image).

8. Gently spread the napkin to form a fan.

Video instruction using a cotton napkin as an example:

Festive paper napkins: aster in a plate

Below is a video instruction for a more detailed analysis.

1. Lay out the napkin and place it on the table.

2. Fold the bottom and top to the middle.

3. Turn the napkin so that it lies across the table. Fold the top and bottom towards the middle.

4. Unfold the napkin to a rectangular shape (with two opposing folds made in step 2). You will get 4 folds that divide the napkin into 4 rectangles (2 on each side).

5. Now you need to make 8 out of 4 rectangles (each of them will become an aster petal in the future). Start folding the napkin evenly like an accordion. First, turn the napkin over and start with the fold towards you and then away from you.

6. Prepare aster petals. From all the folds you need to make three-dimensional triangles. The work will be done with a quarter of the folds.

Start tucking the edges of the folds inside, after which you need to bend them so as to get triangles - the petals of a paper flower.

7. When all the edges of the folds are folded into triangles, connect the outer triangles to each other and the flower is ready. Place it on a plate.

Video instruction

Beautiful paper napkins on the table: pinwheel

1. Lay out the napkin and place it on the table.

2. Fold each end of the napkin towards its center.

3. Fold the napkin in half.

4. Place the napkin so that it lies across the table and fold the bottom and top parts towards the center.

5. Now you need to push the upper right triangle to the right. Next, push the left triangle up, then the lower right triangle to the right and the lower left triangle down.

How to festively fold paper napkins: tie

A tastefully set table can turn an ordinary meal into an event and bring pleasure not only from the dishes eaten, but also aesthetic pleasure. It is very important for a woman to be beautiful; it is important to make her not only with words, but also with a memorable evening.
Meanwhile, elegantly folded napkins will create an incomparable holiday atmosphere and make your table especially memorable. It is good to use thick linen or cotton napkins; they hold their shape well and allow you to create original compositions from them. For sophisticated napkin “origami”, they can be lightly starched.
Of course, napkins can be folded in four and placed at each cutlery, but a few simple manipulations with them will add style and personality to your table and create the right mood even before guests sit down at the table.
There are many ways and options for how to fold napkins beautifully. Here are some of them.

How to beautifully fold paper napkins on a holiday table

How to beautifully fold paper napkins into a fan

If we beautifully decorate the dishes for the festive table, then it wouldn’t hurt to decorate the napkins beautifully so that our table sparkles with beauty and originality.
We will learn how to beautifully fold paper napkins and surprise our guests.
Now we will design the napkins in the form of a fan.
To do this, we need a paper napkin of any color you like, rectangular in shape.
Step-by-step instruction:
1.Lay out the napkin face down. And fold it in half from top to bottom.

3. Turn the napkin over and bend it from top to bottom.

4. The part that is not folded, on the left, is folded diagonally from top to bottom, so that it fits between the folds.

Now you know a few more ways to fold napkins beautifully.
Decorate your holiday table with them and delight yourself and your guests. Folding paper napkins beautifully is not at all difficult, you just need not to be lazy and want to find a little time for creativity.

How to beautifully fold paper napkins on the New Year's table

A variety of figures are made from paper napkins, from simple ones to real works of art. Why not use napkins to decorate the New Year's table? For example, you can roll them in the shape of Christmas trees, decorate them with beads and get a real New Year's decoration on each plate.
This method will be ideal for decorating the New Year's table.
Step-by-step instruction:
1. To make such a Christmas tree, use napkins that need to be layered. Place a napkin folded in four, with the open corners facing you.

2. You need to separate the corners of the napkin. Start folding the corners of the napkin in the center at a distance of approximately 1.5 cm from each other.

3.Napkin with all corners bent. Then you need to turn the napkin over.

4.Next you need to wrap the napkin on both sides and smooth out the fold.

5.Then turn the napkin over again and bend all the resulting corners to the top. Place the ends of the next corner under the previous one.

6.After completing the last corner, fold the remaining part of the napkin back.

Use it for its intended purpose, beautifully arranged on a plate.
Decorate the Christmas tree with all kinds of tinsel, stars or beads, New Year's toys. Under such a napkin in the form of a Christmas tree for each guest you can put a small surprise or a card with New Year's wishes.

How to beautifully fold paper napkins into a heart shape

This is exactly how you can decorate a festive table on one of your favorite holidays, which both adults and children love – Valentine’s Day.

You will need: a square-shaped paper napkin, preferably red, but this is optional.
Step-by-step instruction:
1. Lay out your napkin and fold it in half to form a triangle.

2.Then fold the right corner of the napkin towards the center to the top corner of your triangle.

3.Do the same with the left corner of your triangle, bend it upward towards the center.

4. Turn your napkin over to the reverse side.

5.Next, fold the top corner down towards the center of the napkin.

6.Then the two remaining upper corners of the napkin need to be bent to the sides.

7. In order to make our heart more round in shape, we need to bend the upper sharp corners. And turn it over to the other side.

Paper napkins for the holiday table in the form of a palm branch

Step-by-step instruction:
1.Fold the napkin in half. Solid side down and fold the top corners of the top layer toward the middle down.

2.Turn the napkin and bend the top layer towards the middle.

3. Bend both bottom corners of the top layer from the middle along the bias upwards.

4.Fold the accordion starting from the left side.

5.Repeat step 4, starting from the right side.

6.Unfold the napkin, tie the bottom part with a string, and your palm branch is ready.

Method of folding napkins in the form of a maple leaf

Before the holiday, you should think about the decor of the festive table, because it’s no secret that beautiful decoration is the key to a good mood!
In general, as it turned out, folding a serving napkin beautifully is not such a difficult task. Follow the instructions and everything will work out!
We offer you a way to beautifully fold a paper napkin in the shape of a maple leaf.
Step-by-step instruction:
1.Take your square shaped paper napkin and fold it in half.

2.Then, fold the upper right corner to the center of the napkin, pressing the edges well.

3.Next you need to bend the lower right corner of the triangle upward to the center of the paper napkin.

4.Next you need to move the top left corner of your napkin to the center down.

5.Then, as shown in the photo below, bend the top corners of the napkin to the sides.

6. Thread the napkin into the ring. The edges need to be straightened in the form of leaves.

Evgenia Smirnova

To send light into the depths of the human heart - this is the purpose of the artist

Content

What housewife doesn't want to decorate her holiday table? A beautiful arrangement of space will complement luxurious, delicious dishes. Ordinary napkins on the table under the plates will help add coziness and solemnity. Learn how to fold napkins and wow your guests.

Table setting etiquette rules

There are several ways to serve cutlery: different countries have different traditions. A classic Russian dinner involves a plate for bread, a soup spoon, a fork for the second course, a knife, two plates: a soup plate, a decorative one, and a glass. However, this does not limit the housewife, and if necessary, she can always add the necessary dishes. There are also several rules for using napkins.

Let's start with the banal: a cloth scarf should be placed on your knees, and not tucked under your collar. If you need to leave the table, you should leave it on the back of your chair or near your plate, but some people believe that placing a handkerchief to the left of the utensils means you have finished eating. You need to unroll the fabric after the finished dish is brought. Do not wave the handkerchief too much or wipe your lips thoroughly.

How to beautifully fold napkins on a holiday table

When hosting a gala dinner, the hostess strives to surprise her guests: she decorates the table with colorful napkins. They come in two types: fabric, paper. The second ones are placed under a plate or in a special stand, and the first ones are placed on a plate. You can come up with many elegant decorations using fabric ones. There is an art to folding napkins for table settings, so below are step-by-step instructions for decorating napkins for table settings. For convenience, you can take square pieces of fabric measuring 40x40, you can sew them yourself.

Fan

Lay the scarf in front of you, wrong side down. Fold a quarter of the table napkin over the top.
Turn it over.
It is necessary to bend a third from the bottom.
Fold in half, connecting the bottom and top parts.
Make an accordion.
Holding the bottom part in your hand, smooth out the folds and shape them
Open the fan.

Lily

Take the scarf and place it with the front side facing you.
Connect opposite corners to form a triangle.
Lift the right and left corners and place them on the top of the triangle.
Fold the top and bottom corners of the resulting diamond.
Bend over the top of the small triangle.
Assemble the lily by placing the left side into the right side.

Lotus

Fold all corners towards the middle of the napkin.
Turn everything so that there is a square in front of you.
Repeat the first step.
Fold the corners back toward the center.
The corners lying in the middle must be bent down. Carefully turn the figure over. Then you need to extend all the corners to the back side.
The back side needs to be pulled out. Gently pull the back of the shapes to give the petals volume.

Herringbone

For a festive New Year's table, you can decorate it using green scarves, then you will get beautiful Christmas trees:

Fold the fabric in half twice to form a square.
We lift each layer to the top, leaving about two cm between the corners.
Turn it over and fold it towards the center of the edge. You should get a triangle.
Give the figure the desired shape, put something heavy on top so that the napkin does not straighten out on its own.
We turn the figure over again and fold back each layer. It should look like a Christmas tree.
All that remains is to decorate the table and create a festive mood.

Handbag

Align the right line with the left so that the scarf is bent in half.
After this, fold in half, placing the bottom on top.
We make a “house” from the top layer: bend the corners towards the center.
We lower this triangle below the middle.
Repeat step three, only with the bottom layer.
And repeat the fourth step. The bag is ready!

heart

Make a triangle.
Place the left corner on the top.
Repeat the same with the right one.
Turn over.
Bend the top down, opening the corners.
Bend part of the bottom layer left and right diagonally.
Fold the small corners inward on the left and right. Give a heart shape.
Turn over, hide all folds. You can confess your love for your guests!

Fan in a ring

Make an “accordion” from a napkin.
In the middle, holding it with your fingers, bend it in half.
Place in a ring or glass. Open the fan and create a spectacular and simple decoration for lunch or dinner. This is how you can decorate a table step by step.

Lotus flower

Fold the top and bottom to the middle of the napkin.
It is necessary to make preparatory folds. The sheet should consist of eight small squares.
Using ready-made folds, make an “accordion”
Bend the corners of the accordion to form small triangles towards the middle of the butterfly.
Unfold the flower.

Horizontal sachet

Fold the scarf right side inward.
To create a central fold, fold back the top layer by about one-third.
Turn over.
Fold the sides, connecting them in the middle. Repeat.

Diagonal sachet

Fold into four.
The corner of the top layer must be bent by 5 cm. Repeat.
Tuck the second layer under the diagonal strip. This should result in two stripes.
Fold the napkin at the top and bottom.

Envelope for devices

Place the front side facing away from you. Bend one of the corners towards the middle.
Fold the napkin in half so that the folded corner is on top.
Fold in half. The lower part should lie under the upper.
Fold the corner
Fold the sides to create a shape.

How to beautifully fold paper napkins into a napkin holder

Paper napkins for table setting are placed in a set in the middle in a napkin holder, but you can also approach this element of kitchen decor creatively and come up with several schemes for decorating and creating a special occasion. For round coasters resembling a glass, the “candle” method is suitable. You need to make a tube from the triangle of the napkin, which you then insert into the glass and open. Or make an “accordion” and place it in a stand.

For a flat napkin holder, the best solution would be to fold the “corners” and play with the color scheme. If you fold them into a fan, the entire festive table will look more magnificent and impressive. The more different napkins there are in one stand, the brighter the decoration will appear. However, you should not overdo it: you must remember that the napkins should be easy to get, as they have a practical value.

Video instructions: how to decorate a table with napkins

Napkins on the table for hot dishes can take any shape. Creating such a decoration is reminiscent of origami, so video tutorials will help you understand how to bend, turn, and roll correctly. You can also evaluate how the option you are interested in will look like. The color and shape can be anything, but thanks to the contrast you can come up with interesting combinations. For example, if you use a white tablecloth and bright napkins.

How to fold paper napkins beautifully - 3 ways

How to fold fabric napkins

What does table setting with napkins look like - photo

Found an error in the text? Select it, press Ctrl + Enter and we will fix everything!

Understanding mastery: where to start?

Size
Form
Colors
Material type
Practicality

Methods: step-by-step guide and diagrams

Fan folding

Examples and options

Every housewife wants her holiday table to look perfect. There are many ways to make its decoration beautiful: high-quality dishes, a good tablecloth, sparkling cutlery, neat cutting of food and decorated dishes. But even before the dish appears on the table, I want to dilute the boring placement of cutlery a la “knife on the left, fork on the right” with a little zest. Ordinary napkins will help with this.

This is an indispensable attribute of any feast, be it Christmas dinner, anniversary or wedding, and works great as a decorative element. You can use any serving napkins, the main thing is to fold them correctly.

It's no secret that the ways to give napkins an interesting shape are close to the origami technique. To beautifully fold napkins for table settings, you need to learn some universal basic techniques. The most popular of them:

"Harmonic". It is needed for such simple shapes as a fan, butterfly or crane. The principle is intuitive, you just need to fold the entire napkin into an accordion with an edge width of 2-3 centimeters;
"Book". A rectangular or square napkin is folded in half. Depending on the scheme, on the smaller or larger side of the rectangle;
"Doors". The square is visually divided vertically into two equal parts, both parts must be folded inward towards the fold line;

Triangle. Two opposite corners are diagonally aligned with each other. Fold on the front or back side as indicated in the diagram. Paper napkins in this form can already be placed in holders;
Double triangle. The square is visually divided into 4 parts, two sides at the central points are tucked inward, forming triangles with pockets inside;

"Pancake". It is also very simple to make: just fold each corner to the center point. The pancake can be multi-layered. Each time all the corners are connected at the central point, the napkin is turned over and the procedure is repeated;
Tie. The napkin should be placed in front of you like a diamond, mark the center line, and align the side corners in the center.

They also sometimes include a double square, a pocket, a boat or catamaran, a “frog”, a “bird” and a “fish”, which in themselves are not yet full-fledged figures, but have common features with them. However, these forms are too complex for a beginner and are not always easy to use.

It is better to practice the technique first on paper, then on a hard starch napkin, and only then move on to serving textiles. But the practical part must be preceded by the correct choice of napkins.

Kinds

The right start to decorating a table is not in mastering origami techniques with textile materials, but in choosing napkins. Therefore, the desire to fold lilies and swallows from pieces of fabric should be postponed until later and carefully study the issue of choosing suitable napkins.

When choosing serving napkins, several criteria are important.

Size

This is the first difference between napkins depending on their purpose and the nature of the meal. So, for breakfast and tea parties, napkins measuring 25x25, 30x30 or 35x35 centimeters are sufficient. Napkins for serving for a lunch or dinner party, size 40x40cm. Sometimes there are larger options, with a square side of up to 50 cm. The most common napkins for decorating a festive table are from 50x50 to 60x60.

The size of napkins is of fundamental importance when using them for table decoration. The most suitable option is medium size. Napkins that are too small are convenient for shaping shapes, but they leave a lot of creases as if the napkin was served crumpled. Large pieces of fabric or paper are also unsuitable for complex decoration.

In the end, a napkin is needed to maintain hygiene and etiquette, and not so that starchy swans or hares take up half the table, no matter how beautiful they turn out.

Form

The classic, most common and most practical shape of napkins is a square. Square napkins are convenient for setting the table, arranging them in different ways and combining them with each other. However, there are other forms that are less amenable to decoration, but sometimes irreplaceable. These can be napkins that have a rectangular shape with sharp edges, elongated with rounded corners, triangular, round and oval.

As a rule, there are no paper ones among them. This extends to textile serving sets, often complementing a fabric tablecloth.

Colors

Color and pattern are very important. Textile napkins should be identical in tone to the color of the tablecloth. It is allowed to repeat the pattern, if any, the presence of textured details, interesting edge processing, double-sided colors. If the design idea involves two tablecloths at the same time to decorate the table, the color of the napkins should match the lower tablecloth.

Only plain napkins are folded. If they already have active decor or a themed design (flowers for March 8, snowflakes for the New Year and other popular colors), it’s quite beautiful to place them in napkin holders. Origami in this case will already look like excess. In addition, if the color is not monochromatic, it is difficult to see the fold lines.

Material type

This factor is perhaps the most important. The type of material determines whether a napkin figure will hold its shape, whether it drapes beautifully, how much it wrinkles, whether the serving element can withstand washing, or whether you will have to purchase a new set after the feast. The following materials are often used for serving:

Linen. This material is practical, natural, easy to starch, looks beautiful and washes well. It is very convenient to use for folding napkins in non-trivial ways. There are few creases left on the fabric. Linen napkins have a pleasant base color, so they are versatile in all respects.
Cotton. Different varieties of cotton also have positive qualities. They are easy to care for, easy to manipulate when decorating, absorb sauces and fat well, and are suitable for reusable use. Linen and cotton napkins can be combined with each other to create a beautiful decor on the holiday table.

Silk. Rarely used due to the high cost and impracticality of the material. However, if the tablecloth is silk, napkins made of the same material are necessary. They do not drape well, figures made of smooth material with a silky surface “creep”, so either a lot of starch or the simplest possible decor is required. For example, various sachets, a lying fan, triangles.
Synthetics. For decoration, it is considered the most suitable option, but the material itself is unpleasant to the touch, does not absorb sauces or fat well, and may lose color after washing. These wipes are suitable for one-time use. It is advisable to have paper ones on hand as an alternative.
Blended fabrics. The most practical option for the price. In addition, mixed fabrics drape well and hold their shape, have absorbent properties, and are washable from various stains.

Paper. It is not customary to fold them into complex shapes. Paper napkins are needed for quick use. The most practical way is to place them in napkin holders on the table or in an accessible area. The modern assortment allows you to choose them to match textile products, made of thick or thin paper, with or without texture.
Parchment, PVC and bamboo. All three types are designed to protect fabric tablecloths, and they also serve as a stand for plates and cutlery and, as it were, limit the person sitting at the table within the limits of their size. This is very important for situations when a large number of guests gather at the festive table. You won't be able to fold such napkins. The maximum is to roll it into a beautiful roll. But their practicality is very great - such attributes can be easily combined with decorative napkins.

For example, a bamboo hard napkin under the plates looks beautiful in combination with figures made from red napkins. This has the harmony, conciseness and beauty of the oriental style.

Practicality

We must not forget that the decorative function of napkins is not paramount. They are necessary on the table for hygiene and convenience of guests. If you really want to amaze everyone with your skill, then in addition to complex fabric lotuses and boats, there should be ordinary paper napkins on the table, which are convenient for wiping your mouth or fingers if necessary. The same applies to starching fabric napkins. Of course, they hold their shape better, but it will simply be impossible to use these standing napkins for their intended purpose.

Methods: step-by-step guide and diagrams

There are a lot of options for how to fold napkins. Among them are universal geometric shapes (triangles, envelopes, double squares, sachets and others), romantic flowers, themed figures (Christmas trees for the New Year's table, rings for a wedding celebration, Christmas snowflakes, ties, handbags), animals (for a children's party or symbol of the year), non-trivial forms.

Master the technique from simple figures to more complex ones.

Fan folding

A fan is a classic table decoration. There are several variations of it. The first involves the use of auxiliary materials, in addition to a napkin: soft cardboard and beautiful braid or ribbon.

To get a fan with a holder, you need to place a square napkin in front of you like a diamond, so that the corners are in a vertical line. Fold the diamond in half, iron the fold with your fingers, leaving a noticeable line, and unfold. Then, from the center line, in increments of 2-2.5 cm, fold the resulting triangles into an accordion. The resulting fan is inserted into a cardboard holder.

The holder is prepared as follows: an oval 3-5 cm wide and 6-10 cm long is cut out of soft cardboard (or velvet paper). The length and width depend on the splendor of the fan. Holes are made with a hole punch at a distance of 1 cm from each rounded edge of the oval. A ribbon, braid or lace is inserted into the holes. A fan made from a napkin is placed in the resulting holder, the lace is tightened and tied with a beautiful bow or knot. You can decorate the holder with inscriptions for the celebration.

The second common option is a standing fan. It's called "Peacock's Tail".

The napkin needs to be laid out on a flat surface, face down, folded in half into a “book”. Turn the narrow side towards the edge of the table and start forming folds from there. Not along the entire length, only to the middle of the napkin. The ideal fold width is the thickness of your index finger.

When the assembly is completed, holding all the folds one on top of the other, you need to bend the napkin in half widthwise. It turns out to be a rectangle with a gather at the bottom and a free edge at the top. The upper left edge needs to be folded diagonally into a triangle and tucked between the folds.

Then the fan can be opened, and the resulting triangle will serve as a stand for it, like a photo frame.

The “Asian fan” looks aesthetically pleasing on the table. The sequence of actions is as follows:

Place the napkin face down on a flat surface.
Bend the top edge inward by one-fourth of the width of the napkin.
Turn over to the front side.
Bend the bottom edge inward by one third of the width of the already rectangular shape.
Fold the resulting rectangle in half along a horizontal line.
From a strip of fabric, gathering it along the width of the rectangle, fold an accordion of 5 identical folds.
Hold the bottom edge of the accordion with your hand, and straighten the inward edges of the top edge.
Unfold the fan. If the napkin is starched and stiff enough, it will press the supporting part of the figure with its weight. If not, then the folds need to be secured with a clip, then the napkin will acquire a purely decorative function.

Flower

The “floral” theme in folding napkins is very popular. Flowers look beautiful, do not require special skill to execute, and are appropriate for almost any celebration.

A laconic and elegant option is calla lilies. This simple-shaped flower is performed step by step:

Fold the square shape into a basic triangle shape, placing the triangle with the single corner facing up.
Take the upper corner of the triangle by the edge and wrap the entire napkin in a narrow bag with a diameter of no more than 1 cm.
Turn out the wide part of the bag so that its narrowest part is inside the open bowl of the flower.
Place the resulting flower on a plate.

It is done as follows:

Fold the napkin into a basic triangle shape and turn it over with the base facing up.
Bend the top of the triangle to the center point of the base from bottom to top. In appearance, the figure resembles a simple schematic boat.
Fold the left and right edges of the “boat” down, slightly overlapping each other, so that the tongue of the triangle’s apex appears in the middle between them. Now the figure looks like two isosceles triangles superimposed on each other, the vertices of which point in opposite directions to the right and left. The horizontal line between them (can be marked visually, or marked with a pencil) is the fold line. Along it, the lower corner of first the upper, then the lower triangle is bent upward.
The tulip is already visible, all that remains is to tuck the protruding left and right corner behind the “back” of the figure and tuck one end into the other so that the flower does not unfold.

The lily is made a little more difficult. The first step is the same as when forming calla lilies - you need to fold the square into a triangle and place it in front of you. The left corner is point A, the top is B, the right is C. The edges of the napkin need to be turned inward so that the vertices of corners A and C coincide with the vertex of corner B. You should get a rhombus. It needs to be folded in half horizontally, and the top of the upper triangle be bent to the bottom edge. All that remains is to place the napkin on the table or plate and bend the side “petals”.

There is also a more complicated version of the lily - royal. It requires napkins that hold their shape well, otherwise the petals will not be visible. The actions are performed sequentially:

Fold the square napkin into a basic pancake shape (repeat twice).
Press the second layer of “pancake” with the bottom of the glass (corners connected in the center).
Turn the bottom edge of each square outward to form a petal.
Hold the glass a little so that the napkin takes its shape, remove it and place the lily on the dish.

“Artichoke” is similar to the royal lily, but more original. To get this shape, a square napkin needs to be folded three times with its corners towards the center, turning over each time after all the corners are connected at the central point.

Then, as in the case of the lily, you need to draw out the bottom of all four resulting triangles. It is advisable to hold the middle of the figure with your hand or a handy press in the form of a glass. There is no need to pull out the lower “petals” much. They should rise up slightly. Under the flower you get a square napkin backing. The artichoke is ready.

A common and beautiful way is to fold serving napkins into a rosette.

The procedure is as follows:

Fold the fabric napkin into a basic triangle shape.
Starting from the base of the resulting triangle, roll it into a loose “sausage”, leaving the top edge 7-10 cm free.
Twist the “sausage” from left to right into the snail, tuck the very edge inside the snail so that it does not unwind.
Take the corners of the protruding triangle and straighten them to the sides.
The lower petals are formed, you can turn the rose over and put it in the designated place.

All the same shapes can be easily repeated using thick paper napkins.

In the form of an animal

The theme of animals becomes relevant on the eve of Easter (chickens and rabbits) and New Year (the symbol of the coming year in the form of a dog, horse, rooster and other animals). A napkin in the shape of a bunny, fox or raccoon will appeal to children at a children's party.

A simple and accessible figure is a bunny or rabbit. To do this, first of all, you need to fold the napkin in half twice along the same side to a rectangle. Then repeat the following steps:

Having marked a vertical line in the middle of the rectangle, bend the narrow edges of the rectangle inward so that the upper edge of the right and left sides passes through this vertical line. You should end up with a shape that looks like a blank for a paper airplane with beveled top edges.
Bend the left and right corners of the base of the figure inward to form a rhombus.

The previous fold lines formed a straight vertical line down the center of the diamond. Focusing on it, you need to bend the left and right sides of the figure in half so that the lower left and lower right edges of the rhombus coincide with this vertical. The shape now resembles the basic "tie" shape, only it expands from the bottom up instead of the top down.
The “tie” needs to be turned “backwards” towards you. At the top right and left there will be two most protruding points. They form a horizontal fold line along which the upper triangular part of the “tie” needs to be folded down.
Turn the figure over to the front side again. It should look like a triangle, upside down. A pocket is formed at each corner of the base.
The triangle is folded with the edges inward, one edge is hidden in the pocket of the other.
The figure is turned over from top to bottom and from the front side to the back. At this stage, the “muzzle” and “ears” of the hare are already visible. All that remains is to straighten them with your fingers and place the figure on the plate.

It is also possible to make a rabbit or hare from paper napkins, but without adding volume to the figure. It is not necessary to place such a napkin; you can simply place it on a table or dish. Flat figures are obtained faster, wrinkle less, and the features of a particular animal are easier to discern in them.

You can decorate a holiday table for children or a family for the New Year without much effort by folding a napkin according to an origami pattern with a dog, tiger, rooster, horse or other animal.

Decoration with various shapes

In addition to the universal colors and the occasional use of different animal patterns, there are a large number of figures suitable for completely different celebrations. These can be napkins in the form of candles for the New Year's table, rings for a wedding celebration, tuxedo figurines for a bachelor party, Christmas trees, snowflakes, ties, palm trees, boats and much more. If you use paper napkins rather than fabric ones, you can use absolutely any origami pattern as a basis. Several trainings, and figures of varying degrees of complexity will be obtained in one minute.

If you don't have time to train, then It’s very easy to make a candle without any preparation. With its help, you can beautifully set the table for conservative events.

You will need a square napkin folded into a basic triangle shape, or a triangular napkin. You need to roll it up starting from the base of the triangle. The “sausage” should be made from nine-tenths of the triangle, and the very last part - a small triangle - remains free. Now the “Sausage” is folded diagonally, not strictly in half, but so that one end rises slightly above the other. The fold must be wrapped with the remaining triangle so that the candles do not fall apart.

In this form they can be placed in a glass or napkin holder. The finishing touch is to pull the sharp corners of the “candles” up a little so that they become shaped like a flame above the wick. It is more convenient to twist a single candle from small napkins.

A popular way to celebrate Valentine's Day is to set a table for two using heart napkins.

Step-by-step action plan:

Fold the triangle with the base at the bottom, smooth it out well so that the corners of the top coincide as accurately as possible.
First, connect the right and then the left corners of the base with the top to form a rhombus.
The upper right edge of the diamond is visually divided in half. From the midpoint, draw a perpendicular line to the middle of the opposite side. This will be the fold line. Only the triangle is bent, the rhombus below remains intact.

Along the fold line, the upper part of the triangle needs to be turned inward, as if hidden in a pocket. Repeat the same steps on the left side. A schematic heart can already be seen against the background of the rhombus.
Now you need to turn the figure “backwards” towards you. It looks like a diamond without additional lines. This rhombus is bent horizontally in half.
Turn the figure over to the front side again, and you can place the finished heart on the plate.

It is impossible not to note the figures for the most beloved winter holiday - New Year. Its symbol, of course, is the Christmas tree.

It is correct to start creating this figure with a basic “book”. Then it is folded in half vertically. It turns out to be a rhombus, the lower part of which is turned away into a pocket in 4 layers. Each layer is alternately folded from bottom to top. The new top should move 1-2 cm away from the top of the previous layer. Then the figure is turned over with its back up, face down. The left edge is folded to the right side, the right edge to the left, resulting in a “tie” that tapers towards the bottom. The “tie” unfolds again with the back down, face up.

The shape of the Christmas tree is already visible; it is formed by triangles, the corners of which are directed downwards. Alternately, starting from the very first, they need to be folded upward. The corner of the first one remains free - this is the top of the Christmas tree, the rest are tucked under the previous layer.

There should be a total of 4 tiers and a crown. It can be decorated with a bead, bow, star or other themed accessory.

Not too pretentious and complicated, but at the same time original ways to fold a napkin exist to create an envelope with one pocket or several. They are in demand for formal and semi-formal events. These can be all celebrations related to marriage, events where people who do not know each other meet, corporate parties and business meetings.

A horizontal sachet is made up of a basic “book” shape turned horizontally into a rectangle. The rectangle should open from the top.

Having placed it in front of you (the front side is inside), you need to bend the top layer of the rectangle down by one third of the width. Then fold both sides inward so that the edges meet in the middle. Fold the resulting figure inward again and turn it over so that there is a solid pocket on the front side. This pocket holds cutlery.

An envelope sachet with a guest card and cutlery is simply irreplaceable at public events where most guests do not know each other.

Actions are performed in the following sequence:

Fold the napkin into a book and then in half vertically to make the same blank as for the Christmas tree.
Place the diamond-shaped blank in front of you with the free edge down. Alternately bend all the free layers from the bottom up, retreating from the previous vertex from 0.5 to 1.5 cm.
Fold the bottom edge 2-3 cm and iron it with your thumb.
Fold the edges towards the center of the napkin, tucking one under the other so that the sachet does not fall apart. A card with the guest's name is inserted into the smallest bottom pocket; cutlery can be placed in the top pocket or nearby.

An envelope sachet with a pocket for a guest card without cutlery can be compared to a bag. Performed step by step:

Make the blank as for a Christmas tree, but place the free edge of the diamond on top.
Bend the top two layers from top to bottom with an indentation of 1-2 cm.
Turn the napkin so that its back is facing you.
Lay the corners of the rhombus on top of each other, tucking the edge of one under the other.
Return the napkin to its original position. The top pocket is for a name card.

You need to start folding the “bag” for cutlery from the wrong side (in this case, double-sided napkins or options with a pattern look interesting). Fold the napkin into a basic “book” so that the design or front side is inside. Then fold it widthwise into a square again. It turns out the already familiar base for the Christmas tree and sachets for the cutlery.

Unfold the diamond-shaped base in front of you with the free edge facing up. Bend the first three layers from top to bottom with an indentation between layers. Turn over to the other side and bend the corners of the diamond inward so that the edges meet in the middle and you get a “tie.” Turn over again to the other side. The bag is ready, all that remains is to put in the cutlery.

Examples and options

You can decorate a table with napkins in different ways. However, it is important to follow a few simple rules when choosing shapes and materials:

Napkins must be of high quality;
The figures unfold without difficulty for the guest;
Plain napkins always look better than tacky ones;
Napkins can be of different colors if guests are seated at several tables, but the fabric and design should be the same, as well as the shapes that are made from them;

23 photos

Ideas for designing napkins need to be coordinated with the reason for the feast. Complex paper figures (snowflakes, three-dimensional flowers and animals) will be appropriate as decor for home and children's celebrations. In addition to them, full napkin holders should be freely available. Textile strict sachets are an attribute of business meetings and official events.

Replacing the napkin holder with a small vase or serving them, for example, in a glass is also a way to decorate the table in an original way. Some shapes (roses, candles, types of fans) look much better inside a transparent glass than on a plate, and are guaranteed not to unfold.

For large celebrations (anniversaries, weddings), there is a more expensive option that justifies its price due to its aesthetic qualities - a napkin ring. Among them there are products made of metals, wood, glass, ceramics, textiles, paper (disposable). They are made in a wide variety of styles and organically complement both a simply airy, fluffed napkin and any shape, from a double tube to a flower.

To learn how to beautifully fold paper napkins for table setting (6 simple ways), watch the following video.

All about car tuning