How to Fold Napkins
Tabletop presentation is critical for creating a formal table setting. From the charger plates to the decor, no detail is too small. One key but often forgotten element of design is napkins. Napkins are as functional as they can be alluring, and how you fold your napkins plays a critical role in your overall presentation. We’ve provided a guide to how your staff can fold napkins in creative and traditional ways to create an Instagram-worthy tablescape.
Shop All Cloth NapkinsNapkin Folding Ideas
We’ve provided 10 creative napkin folding ideas for you to integrate into your restaurant or emerging catering company. Whether you're training staff on traditional napkin folding styles or creating an elaborate presentation, these ideas will help you create an upscale dining environment.
1. Triangle Napkin Fold
The triangle napkin fold is a timeless classic in restaurants and other hospitality businesses. You can fold them in advance, squeeze them flat, and then store them standing on their long edges side-by-side. You will need to use a napkin with moderately stiff fabric, otherwise the triangle pyramid won’t stand up on its own.
- Fold the napkin into a triangle. The point of the triangle should be facing you.
- Create a square by folding each corner under the napkin.
- Turn the napkin over.
- Fold the top corner of the square down to meet the bottom.
- Create a pyramid by lifting the center.
2. Christmas Tree Napkin Fold
The Christmas tree napkin fold is perfect for caterers and restaurants promoting holiday dining options. You will need a green square cloth napkin to execute this fold.
- Fold the napkin in half twice. It should now be a quarter of its original size.
- Set the napkin in a diamond shape, its open corners should face you. Beginning with the top fold, fold each corner up in a descending row.
- Flip the top flap upward, then tuck the next flap under. This creates the appearance of Christmas tree branches.
- Once you reach the fourth row, tuck the remaining layer under the napkin.
3. Rose Napkin Fold
The rose napkin fold creates an elegant aesthetic in restaurants and is perfect for wedding catering. You will need a square napkin that is either light pink, pink, or red to create the rose fold.
- Lay the napkin flat.
- Create a triangle by folding it in half diagonally.
- Starting at the bottom, roll it up to the top until you reach the halfway point.
- Turn the napkin over. The rolls should now be underneath, and the long side should be nearest you. It will resemble a triangle that has two tails.
- Roll up the tail edges until they reach each other.
- Tuck the open end of the tail into the pocketed space you’ve created at the bottom. The napkin fold will look like a candle.
- You will have created flaps, pull these flaps down and open the pillar.
- The rose shape is revealed when you turn the napkin over.
4. Heart Napkin Fold
Whether you’re promoting a Valentine’s Day event or want to create a cutesy aesthetic in your cafe year-round, the heart napkin fold is sure to impress. You will need a red square napkin to create the heart fold.
- Vertically fold the napkin in half.
- Repeat the first step.
- Fold the right side of the napkin vertically and then do the same on the left.
- Create the top of the heart by tucking the center flaps under.
- To finalize the heart shape, tuck the corner flaps underneath.
5. Bow Tie Napkin Fold
A bow tie design adds both elegance and a touch of playfulness to any table. You will need a dinner napkin in your color choice to create this fold.
- Spread the dinner napkin flat.
- Fold the opposite sides of the napkin, causing them to meet at the center.
- Fold horizontally at the center. This will create a ribbon shape.
- Fold the short ends of the napkin. They must meet at the center.
- Tie the middle with the ribbon of your choice. If the napkin will be used purely decoratively, glue the ribbon at the back.
6. Fan Napkin Fold
The fan napkin fold is an excellent choice for fine dining establishments. You will need well-pressed napkins made from stiffer material to create the fan fold.
- Place your napkin face-side down on a flat surface.
- Fold the napkin in half vertically. Once the seams are aligned, smooth them out.
- Next, create accordion folds. You will start at the bottom of the napkin and create a series of long, narrow folds by folding the napkin under by two inches and then up by two inches. Repeat this process until you are four to five inches from the top. Smooth after each fold.
- Gently flip the napkin over so the folds are underneath. The folds will run horizontally across the bottom. Remove any wrinkles from the napkin by smoothing them out.
- Grab the right side of the napkin and fold it in half lengthwise to the left side. To do this, you must grip the accordion folds to prevent them from coming undone.
- Turn the napkin one-quarter clockwise. The folds should now run vertically down the left side of the napkin.
- Create a triangle shape by folding the top right corner of the napkin down towards the accordion section and tucking the new corner into the center of the folds. Even out the triangle by aligning the bottom seams.
- Stand the napkin upright so the bottom seams form the triangle's base. The triangle's tip should be directly behind the fan and facing away from you.
- With the fan in this closed, vertical position, gently open up the accordion folds. This will create the desired fan shape.
- Use the triangle to make the fan stand upright.
7. Angled Pocket Napkin Fold
The angled pocket napkin fold can hold cutlery, a printed menu, or a place card, making it both an attractive and functional style. You will need a square dinner napkin and flatware to perform this fold. Optionally, you can include a printed menu or place card for a catered event.
- Start by folding the square dinner napkin in half.
- Fold the halved napkin into quarters.
- Take the open corner’s top layer and make it meet with the opposite corner.
- Turn the napkin over and then fold it into thirds. Once complete, turn it back over.
- Add your cutlery to the pocket along with your menu or place card if applicable.
8. Envelope Napkin Fold
The envelope napkin fold is far less time-consuming than many others listed while still providing an elegant presentation. It also acts as the perfect package for a party favor or printed menu. To create this fold, you will need a square napkin and whatever items you want to add to the envelope.
- Create a triangle by folding a square napkin from corner to corner.
- Tuck in both pointed ends. Repeat.
- Create the envelope by tucking the top flap in.
9. Knot Napkin Fold
Another simple yet elegant option, the knot napkin fold is easy to create. Choose the square dinner napkin of your choice to get started.
- Flatten the napkin.
- Gather the top left and bottom right corners of the napkin.
- Tuck the corners into the center of the bundle.
- Tie the napkin into a knot. How tight or loose you make the knot depends on your desired aesthetic.
10. Drape Napkin Fold
Perfect for formal occasions, the drape napkin fold works best for showcasing a highly decorated or monogrammed napkin. Follow these simple steps to create the drape napkin fold.
- Flatten your napkin so its design is on the underside of the bottom right corner.
- Fold the left half of the napkin over the right half.
- Fold the napkin in half from the bottom to the top.
- Rotate the napkin so the design appears at the bottom. It should now form a diamond shape.
- Flip the napkin over, then fold the top corner one-third of the way down.
- Form a diamond by folding the right and left corners at an angle.
- Turn the napkin over before arranging it on the table.
Any time you want to change your restaurant decor, the simplest way to start is by changing how your staff folds your napkins. Refer to our guide for a new and creative way to fold your napkins.
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