How to Fold Napkins: 5 Easy Techniques for an Elegant Table

Want to know the secret to making any dinner party feel instantly fancier? It’s not the expensive wine or the complicated menu. It’s the napkins. I know, it sounds a little silly, but trust me on this.

A beautifully folded napkin is a small detail that makes a huge impact. It shows your guests you’ve thought about the little things. And the best part? It’s way easier than it looks. Forget those impossible origami-level folds. Here are 5 super simple napkin folding techniques that anyone can master.

1. The Classic Pocket Napkin Fold

This is my absolute go-to. It’s elegant, practical (it holds your cutlery!), and ridiculously easy. It instantly makes your elegant table setting look polished and professional.

• How to Do It:
  1. Lay the napkin flat and fold it in half, then in half again to make a square.
  2. Turn the square so the open corners are facing you.
  3. Take the top layer and fold it diagonally up to the top left corner.
  4. Fold the second layer, tucking the point underneath the first fold.
  5. Carefully flip the napkin over and fold the right and left sides in towards the center.
  6. Flip it back over, and slide in your beautiful Luxury Mirror Stainless Steel Dinnerware Set.

2. The Simple Roll

If you’re using napkin rings, this is the easiest and chicest way to go. It’s clean, simple, and takes about five seconds.

• How to Do It:
  1. Lay the napkin flat.
  2. Fold it in half diagonally to make a triangle.
  3. Starting from the long end, roll it up into a neat tube.
  4. Slide it through your napkin ring. Done!

3. The Elegant Fan Napkin Fold

This one looks impressive, but I promise it’s not hard. The fan napkin fold is perfect for adding a bit of height and drama to your plate.

• How to Do It:
  1. Lay the napkin flat and fold it in half.
  2. Starting from one of the short ends, make accordion-style folds (about one inch wide) until you’re about two-thirds of the way up.
  3. Fold the entire napkin in half, with the accordion folds on the outside.
  4. Take the unfolded corner and tuck it diagonally into the accordion pleats to create a stand.
  5. Fluff out the fan and place it on the plate.

4. The Knotted Napkin

For a more relaxed, modern vibe, the simple knot is perfect. It’s effortless, chic, and works beautifully with linen or cotton napkins.

• How to Do It:
  1. Lay the napkin flat.
  2. Grab it from the center and let the corners drape down.
  3. Tie a simple, loose knot in the middle.
  4. Place it in the center of the plate. It’s the definition of “perfectly imperfect.”

5. The Triangle Fold

This is the simplest fold on the list, but it’s a classic for a reason. It’s clean, tidy, and lets your beautiful plates shine.

• How to Do It:
  1. Lay the napkin flat.
  2. Fold it in half diagonally to create a triangle.
  3. You can either place it under the forks or on top of the plate. So easy!

Conclusion:

See? No advanced origami degree required. A simple fold is all it takes to make your dinner party ideas feel more special and put-together.

Next time you’re setting the table, take the extra thirty seconds to give your napkins a little love. It’s the easiest way to show your guests you care.

Modern Dining Room Table Decor Ideas