Napkins may be a small part of an event design but they have a unique ability to give personality to a place setting or buffet. Bold colors, prints that pop, and fabulous fabrics are all guaranteed to make a statement, but even a standard white dinner napkin will stand out with the right napkin fold. For our second blog in our Napkin Folding series, we’re showing you both modern and traditional folds that are as easy as they are chic. (And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you’ll see all our napkin folding tutorials with more on the way!)
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Napkin Ring “Fold” • Buffet Roll • Diamond Pocket Fold • Effortless “Fold”
Napkin Ring “Fold”
Napkin rings add a pop of personality and added layer of detail to your table design. Here’s an easy way to get the napkin ring look — it looks more complicated than it really is!
Step 1: Lay the square napkin on a flat surface. Find the center of the napkin, loosely pinch the center, and pull the napkin straight upwards. Using your other hand, gather the free edges of the napkin to one side and lay the napkin on the surface.
Step 2: Slide the napkin ring over the pinched end and pull through about one-third of the way down the napkin. Adjust the free edges to your desired effect.
Step 3: Set and enjoy!
Get this look! Party Rental Ltd. products featured:
Bali Goldenrod Print, White Rattan Charger 12.5”, Glacier Dinner Plate 10.5”, Gramercy Gold Hammered flatware, Roma Amber Goblet 8oz, Antiqued Copper Hammered Mule Mug, Teal Cotton dinner napkin, Napkin Ring Gold Band Teak Wood (Coming Soon)
Buffet Roll
Give guests the complete package — of dining utensils, that is — with a classic Buffet Roll napkin fold.
Step 1: Lay the square napkin on a flat surface. Fold in half on the diagonal to create a triangle with the long side closest to you.
Step 2: Place your flatware on the napkin in the center of the side closest to you. The flatware should be parallel to the edge of the napkin. Take the right point and fold it towards the flatware along the bottom edge. Repeat with the left point so that the flatware is now completely covered and you have an “open envelope” shape.
Step 3: Starting with the side closest to you, roll the napkin away from you to create the Buffet Roll.
Step 4: Set and enjoy!
Get this look! Party Rental Ltd. products featured:
Tribeca Stainless flatware, Black Cotton dinner napkin, Elite White Rectangle Charger 11.75”x8”, Marble Glass Salad 7.5” White, Bowl Ceramic Stackable Straight Sided 9″x3.5″, Serving Tong Stainless 9″
Diamond Pocket Fold
The sharp, layered folds of the Diamond Pocket Napkin Fold give detail and dimension to any place setting. The pocket is perfect for displaying menus, stationery, flatware, or other decor. This fold works best with any stiffer, mid-weight fabric, but napkins with a border — like our Church Hemstitch napkins — are especially perfect.
Step 1: Lay the square dinner napkin on a flat surface. Fold the two bottom corners up to meet the top two corners, creating a rectangle. Smooth the napkin, creating a sharp crease.
Step 2: Take the left two corners and fold them in half to meet the right two corners, creating a square shape. Smooth the napkin to create a sharp crease. Turn the napkin counterclockwise by one quarter-turn so that the point containing the free edges is the furthest point from you.
Step 3: Starting with the topmost layer of fabric, take the point farthest from you and fold it towards you, so that the point is aligned just above the bottom edge, not quite folding the layer in half. Repeat with the second layer of fabric, folding it so that the point is aligned just above the edge you just created. Smooth the napkin to create sharp creases, then carefully flip the napkin over.
Step 4: Fold the left point into the center of the napkin. Repeat with the right side so the points are slightly overlapping. Carefully flip the napkin over once more. Smooth the napkin.
Step 5 (Optional): Insert menu, flatware, or other decor into the pocket.
Step 6: Set and enjoy!
Get this look! Party Rental Ltd. products featured:
Kelsey Grey Lace (with White Cotton underlay), Eventi Charger 13” Silver, Anastasia Dinner 10.75”, Chateau Stainless Collection flatware, Eleanor Platinum glassware, Salt & Pepper Salt Cellar Glass, Salt & Peppr Salt Cellar Spoon, White Church Linen dinner napkin
Effortless “Fold”
One of our most-requested napkin fold tutorials actually isn’t a “fold” in the traditional sense. Similar to the Napkin Ring Fold, the Effortless “Fold” relies on the “pinch-and-sweep” technique that creates naturally chic layers and creases.
Step 1: Lay the square napkin on a flat surface. Find the center of the napkin, loosely pinch the center, and pull the napkin straight upwards. Using your other hand, gather the free edges of the napkin to one side and lay the napkin on the surface. Adjust the free edges to the desired effect.
Step 2: Set and enjoy!
Get this look! Party Rental Ltd. products featured:
Aster Matte Grey Dinner Plate 10.75”, Aster Matte Black Lunch Plate 8”, Aster Matte Black B&B 6.25”, Vanderbilt Stainless Collection flatware, Stockholm Crystal Red Wine 15oz, Stockholm Crystal Highball 16.25oz, Charcoal Nu Weave dinner napkin