Place the napkins on the table. Interesting ways to fold napkins for table settings

Beautiful table setting is an integral part of any festive feast. In addition to delicious dishes and a beautiful tablecloth, original folded napkins are an important attribute.

A napkin can be the simplest, or it can be sophisticated and elegant, large or miniature, bright or plain. It is this serving detail that sets the style for the entire table.

The most commonly used are fabric and paper products. Fabric ones serve to protect clothing and are placed on the knees. Paper ones are designed for wiping your mouth and hands.

Paper napkins most popular in modern society. And it’s not surprising, because they are inexpensive and practical. There are many options for the appearance of this product and choosing the right model will not be difficult.

They add an element of luxury to the table setting. They mainly use products made from natural or mixed materials of various colors and styles.

There are a lot of ways to fold napkins for table setting. We present a selection of the most interesting and popular schemes.

Gallery: napkins for table setting (25 photos)

How to fold cloth napkins

Before learning how to fold various shapes and figures, you need to make sure that size this accessory is suitable. It is not worth buying formats that are too small. As a rule, the size of this product should be about 50x50 centimeters.

Lily flower:

Envelope for cutlery:

For a square napkin, fold the upper left corner to the middle of the canvas.
Fold the material in half along a vertical line.
Fold the fabric horizontally so that the folded corner remains on the outer (visible) side. This created a square.
Rotate the shape slightly so that the vertices point straight up and to the sides.
Fold the top corner toward the center and tuck it in.
Tuck the sides of the product underneath. The result is a convenient pocket for a knife and fork.

Column:

Sailboat:

Take a rectangular napkin and fold it diagonally.
Place the tip of the triangle on top.
Roll the base up to the middle of the product.
Connect the ends of the triangle.

Tent:

Fold the square napkin along a horizontal line.
Fold the fabric in half along the center vertical line. The result is a square.
Take the bottom corner and move it to the left side. In this case, the product should partially straighten out.
Take the next corner and also move it to the left side.
Do similar movements with the remaining 2 corners.
Thus, you will get a folded product with 4 folds, which can be beautifully placed on the table.
You can stop at this stage, or you can give it a curved shape. To do this, roll the napkin from left to right and carefully place it on the surface. Beautiful curves will add elegance to the appearance of the figure.

Diamond:

French way:

Take a napkin and fold it diagonally.
Rotate so that the right angle faces to the right.
Take the top corner and fold it down, leaving a few centimeters from the left end.
Take the right side of the product and bend it in the same way.
This design will look beautiful on a table or plate.

Candle:

Galaxy:

Place the napkin on a flat surface.
Take the central part with your fingers and begin to carefully twist the fabric in a circle. You can use a regular fork for this action.
Carefully turn the napkin over to the reverse side. An original and beautiful presentation is guaranteed.

Asian fan:

How to fold paper napkins

You can show your imagination and decorate the table with napkins of several colors at once. This will not only add a “zest” to the design, but will also become a practical addition to the holiday.

The presented options for folding napkins do not require special skills. Even a child can handle setting the table this way.

Paper pocket for devices:

Paper fan:

Fold the napkin several times in one direction or the other.
You will get an accordion. Fix the bottom edge and straighten the fan.
Place the product on a plate or in a glass.

Ship with sails:

Alternative design options

To surprise your friends with a beautiful holiday table decoration, you don’t have to look at various designs and study step-by-step instructions.

If you purchase special rings for serving, you can simply fold the napkin into an accordion, tube or triangle, securing it with a clip. It will look no less impressive.

If you don’t have time at all, then a decorative napkin holder will be the ideal and simplest solution for table setting. Simply fold fabric or paper items into this accessory and enjoy a gala dinner with friends and family.

Folding napkins in different ways is not only a useful activity, but also very exciting. What is not a reason to keep your child busy with this creative activity? While the hostess is at the stove, the children will happily help with beautiful table settings.

Today, not a single holiday table is complete without napkins. They have both practical applications (to wipe off grease from lips or cheeks, to clean stains from an outfit) and serve for decoration. Beautifully folded paper napkins in a napkin holder will add originality to the table and attract attention. And multi-colored products with patterns will make it even more solemn. In order to properly arrange these attributes of the feast and maintain their shape, it is better to use special devices - napkin holders. They can be of different designs.

It doesn’t take much time or effort to figure out how to fold napkins into napkin holders. All these holiday accessories can be divided into round-shaped items, similar to a glass, and flat ones. Each has its own ways of laying out.

"Candle"

Paper ones in a napkin holder? For example, in the form of a “candle”. To do this, you need to take a paper napkin of any shade. First, you should unfold it in the form of a square, fold it diagonally to form a triangle. Then you need to roll the resulting triangle into a tube, starting from the wide edge, moving towards the top.

It should be bent approximately in the middle, after which the product can be inserted into the napkin holder. In the same way, you need to fold the remaining paper handkerchiefs and place them next to each other in one container. For this, it is best to use napkins of the same color. Otherwise, the result is not very festive: such a design is not at all pleasing to the eye.

Second option

How to fold napkins into napkin holders? Now let's look at another method. The napkin must be unfolded and folded diagonally. Then we bend the lower part as if folding a boat. Fold in half, then fold each side toward the middle like an accordion. All is ready. Now you can insert the resulting figure into the napkin holder.

Third way

How to beautifully fold napkins in a napkin holder? Now we'll tell you. The next composition will take a little more time to make, but the result will be very elegant. First, you should unfold a napkin, preferably a plain one, fold it like an accordion with a bend of about one and a half centimeters and bend it in the middle. Roll the fold tightly enough into a roll and insert it into a round napkin holder. You can also use a glass or wine glass for these purposes.

Multicolored extravaganza

In flat-shaped napkin holders, napkins are usually folded one on top of the other. With this method of serving, it is better not to take monochromatic items, but to alternate different shades. They will add sophistication to the table and improve the mood of the guests. For classic table setting, it is better to take napkins of the same tone.

Fan

How to beautifully fold napkins into a napkin holder if it is vertical and flat? The ideal option is the following: all products must be bent in the form of a triangle and laid out in the shape of a fan.

In this case, paper handkerchiefs can be taken in two or three shades of the same color to make a transition from light to dark tone. You can also alternate different shades. Don't pack the napkins too tightly.

"Sultan"

How to fold napkins into napkin holders? The next method can be roughly called the “sultan”. To do this, you will need to roll up one paper napkin and secure it in a vertical napkin holder. Then other paper handkerchiefs are laid out in the same way and placed inside each other. Don't worry if the resulting structure is very tall. You can divide the “sultan” into three separate parts and place them in a frame side by side. A flower with a lush inflorescence, such as a chrysanthemum, will look great on top.

"Cockscomb"

How to beautifully fold paper napkins into a napkin holder? The following pattern is called the “cockscomb”.

First, the napkin is unfolded and folded into the shape of a book. Afterwards the workpiece is bent in half to the right. All four paper layers must be folded lengthwise. Having outlined a line in the middle, you need to lower the corners of the resulting triangle down, after which they are turned upside down. Then you need to fold the napkin in half. The four “combs” are pulled out separately. The structure is placed vertically on a napkin holder.

"Swan"

Let's figure out how to fold paper napkins into a swan-shaped napkin holder. To do this, take one product and place it in the form of a diamond in front of you. Two opposite angles are added towards each other. The napkin is folded in half lengthwise. For one napkin holder, about ten such blanks are made, which represent the body of the future swan. The long bird's neck is made from another napkin and twisted into a rope.

Along the edge, this figure is bent at an angle to create something like a head. If you wish, you can make the beak sharper and glue the eyes. But then the napkin will only serve as a decorative function. Again, you can use different colors of paper handkerchiefs.

Several different types of napkin holders will go well together on a holiday table. Some containers are filled with napkins that you can use to wipe your hands. And others are intended for serving. It should be remembered that napkins are primarily a means of hygiene and only then serve for decoration. Any guest should be able to easily grab a paper towel and use it. Now you know how to fold napkins into napkin holders. This means you can prepare the table for the celebration.

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.

Understanding mastery: where to start?

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 a calla lily - 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 be 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;

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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.

Any holiday table will look more attractive if it is decorated with beautifully and originally folded paper or linen napkins. Correctly and skillfully executed figures will make a lasting impression on guests and make the event unforgettable. There are many options for how to fold napkins so that they look original and unique. To make them you will need a little time, effort and minimal knowledge of origami techniques.

South Cross

This strict and laconic form of folding a napkin in the finished version resembles a cross, which is why it has such a name. It is more suitable for decorating a lunch or dinner with close friends than a luxurious gala feast. To fold the Southern Cross:

Take the material and place it wrong side up.
Bend all 4 corners alternately towards the center.
Turn the resulting square over.
Bring the corners together again in the center.
Turn the workpiece over.
Fold the edges of the napkin one more time. Place it with either pointed end facing up to form a diamond shape.
Pull the right corner outward.
Do the same with the other 3 corners.
Smooth out the figure with your hand.

A photo will help you clearly see how this can be done.

Artichoke

An original and cute figurine, stylized as an artichoke flower, can also decorate a festive or everyday table. The sequence of its execution is as follows:

Place the napkin face down. Bring all corners to the middle.
Fold the corners toward the center again.
Turn the square over.
Fold the corners towards the middle again.
Take any corner from the center of the square and pull it towards you.
Then do the same with the other corners.
Draw out the edges that are on the back of the figure.

That's all. The artichoke flower is ready.

Shirt

You can beautifully fold napkins into the shape of a shirt. To do this, you will need a piece of material at least 30 cm in width and length. In order to make a figurine, adhere to the following points:

Connect all corners of the square in the center.
Fold 2 of its straight sides towards the middle.
Turn the workpiece over and bend the very top edge down 2 cm, smooth the fold with your fingers.
Place the rectangle facing you and bring the edges of the “collar” together.
Unfold the bottom halves of the napkin to the sides.
Fold the bottom edge halfway, then fold it back in until it reaches the collar.
Place the finished figurine on a serving plate.

To do everything right, look at the photo.

French envelope

To make an envelope, you will need a linen napkin measuring at least 50 by 50 cm. Step-by-step instructions are presented below:

Fold a piece of fabric in half from left to right, and then in half again from top to bottom.
Fold the resulting diamond in half from left to right.
Then return the left part to its place, take the very top right corner and bring it to the center.
Fold it in half again.
Bring the edge to the left side of the workpiece.
Again, take the top right corner and fold it towards the middle.
Fold it in half.
Turn the diamond over.
Fold both edges of the square so that they meet in the center.
Turn the rectangle towards you.
Place the envelope on a serving plate and place a knife and fork in the “pockets” as in this photo.

Bon appetit!

Herringbone

The New Year's table can be decorated with a Christmas tree-shaped napkin. To do this, do the following:

Fold the fabric in half 2 times.
Fold each layer up one by one so that there is a gap of about 2 cm between them.
Turn the workpiece over.
Fold the corners towards the middle to create a triangle.
Press it down with your hand and smooth it out so it holds its shape better.
Turn the triangle to face you.
Bend each layer up and bring the edges under the previous one.

Place the Christmas tree on a plate and decorate with a snowflake or bow.

You can also make a three-dimensional Christmas tree, as shown here.

Fish

An origami fish will look unusual on the table. To fold it, take a regular square napkin, and then:

Fold it along both diagonals, unfold it, take the edges of both parts exactly in the middle and, along the resulting lines, bring them together so that you get a triangle.
Fold both parts alternately along the transverse axis and return them back.
Bring the right edge to this line and return it back. Do the same with the opposite part.
Bring the right corner to the left diagonal.
Overlap it with the left edge of the triangle.
Turn the triangle the other side towards you.

Using the same principle, make as many “fishes” as required.

Aster

Here is another option for decorating a table with napkins. This time, to decorate it, you can make a beautiful aster flower, for which:

Place the paper or fabric square on the table and fold the bottom half in half.
Fold the top in half.
Turn the rectangle face down and fold the top half towards you.
Fold the bottom half in half.
Unfold them.
Take the rectangle by the very bottom edge and bend it to the nearest horizontal line.
Bend the entire workpiece like an accordion.
Take it by the upper left edge and alternately tuck it inside the edges of the folds, so that you get triangles.
Connect the outermost triangles on both sides.

Place the aster on a plate.

Heart

Napkins folded in the shape of a heart are perfect for a wedding feast. For this:

Bend the square diagonally and turn it up.
Fold the right corner of the triangle up along the transverse axis.
Do the same with the other part.
Fold the top right edge inward.
Fold the left corner inward.
Turn the workpiece over.
Fold the top up.
Turn the figure over.

Place the “heart” on a plate next to the cutlery.

Royal lily

Another simple flower for table decoration is the royal lily. To make it, do the following:

Place a square piece of cloth on the table.
Connect all the corners together in the center.
Turn the square over.
Bring the bottom left edge to the middle.
Connect the remaining 3 edges in the center.
Place a small glass on top.
Turn out the bottom left corner.
Do the same with the remaining edges.
Remove the glass.

Place lilies near each guest's cutlery.

Pinwheel

This is another origami figurine to decorate the holiday table. Step-by-step instructions for making it are presented below:

Connect all 4 corners of the canvas together in the center.
Also connect both parts of the square along the transverse axis.
Turn the rectangle over towards you and bend the bottom part in half.
Bend the top in half.
Pull out the top right edge.
Pull the left triangle up.
Align the bottom right corner to the right.
Free the remaining corner.

The pinwheel can be placed on the plate with both the front and back sides.

Video instruction

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.