Many housewives, when setting the table, do not forget about serving it, because it is an integral part of any successful feast. Beautiful and properly arranged cutlery, unusually wrapped napkins, vases with flowers and bread bins - all this creates a special feeling of celebration and comfort, improves the appetite of guests and lifts their spirits.

Serving Features

It is very important to arrange napkins correctly and harmoniously on the holiday table, because they are an essential aesthetic part of it. To do this correctly, be sure to pay attention to the serving features and some other important points:

• Since napkins come in paper and fabric, you need to work with each type in its own way, taking into account the characteristics of each material. However, both of them can be laid out in the form of various figures.

• It is very important to choose napkins to match the overall style of table decoration; their color and design should be in harmony with the overall picture.
• There should be both fabric and paper napkins on one holiday table at the same time. This is due to the fact that fabric products are intended solely to prevent people from getting their clothes dirty; they do not wipe their hands with them, since this is considered bad manners. Paper options are disposable and guests can use them at their own discretion.

• To beautifully arrange napkins and set the table, choose fabric napkins with synthetic additives. On the holiday table they will not look wrinkled and will take the shape that you give them.

• If there are already plates on the table, then cloth napkins can be placed on them or placed between the fork and knife. There are a lot of design options. If you initially do not intend to have plates on the table, then be sure to place beautifully folded napkins instead.

• Textile and paper products can be placed in special decorative wine glasses, glasses and napkin holders.
• According to all the rules, it is forbidden to fold napkins and make various figures out of them with dirty or wet hands, otherwise you can completely ruin their appearance, and as a result, the guests will not be able to celebrate.

• After washing, it is very important to starch fabric items. In the future, it will be easier for you to give them the desired shape. It is best to iron them slightly damp.

Decorating a holiday table with your own hands will not be difficult, especially if you follow all the basic recommendations.

How to fold beautifully with your own hands: step-by-step master classes

Napkins can be folded beautifully and in an original way in the form of various figures, animals and flowers.

A very unusual and yet easy way is laying a paper napkin in the shape of a Christmas tree. This option is perfect for a festive New Year or Christmas table. To do this, you will need ordinary paper napkins of a standard size; the color can be any, but green or red options will look the most colorful, which will instantly create a festive atmosphere on the table.

Operating procedure:

• The napkin should be placed with the corners down.
• In order of priority, you should bend its lower corners upward. To begin with, you should take the top layer of the napkin and fold it upward, but not reaching the very end.
• The next layer must also be folded up, but not reaching the previous one.
• All layers of the napkin should be folded in this way.
• Now the workpiece needs to be turned over to its reverse side. To form that same Christmas tree, you should symmetrically bend both of its parts, as if into the middle.
• Then you should turn the Christmas tree right side up and bend its top corner.
• Next, each layer on the front side should be folded under the previous one.

You can serve this decoration from plain paper beautifully by placing it in the middle of the plate. Cones can be used as additional decorations for such a product.

The easiest and most original way may be creating a fan from paper napkins of several colors. Even inexperienced craftswomen who want to beautifully decorate the table can make it.

To create an original fan, you need to purchase paper napkins of different sizes and colors.

Operating procedure:

• First fold each of the napkins in half.
• Place a small one on a large napkin.
• Then, from the selected edge, you need to start folding both napkins like an accordion. You need to make an accordion exactly to the middle.
• Next, you need to turn the workpiece over to the reverse side and place it so that the folded accordion is on the right, and the free edge of the napkin is on the left.
• The free edge should be folded down, and the tip that remains below should be turned back and also bent. This is done in order to create a kind of support-stand for our fan.
• The final stage will be spreading the fan.

Such “fan” products are perfect for any holiday table, be it a feast in honor of a birthday or a Christmas dinner with the family.

Very easy to collect paper a napkin in the shape of a candle. For this, your best bet is to use large paper napkins. They can be plain or with small patterns:

• Unfold the napkin and place it face down. Bend it diagonally to make a triangle.
• At the bend, make a strip of no more than 2 centimeters.
• Now you should twist the so-called tube, which should end up on the stand.
• The remaining and protruding corner must be tucked inside the resulting candle.

To make the resulting product even more original, you can even put a real candle in it. However, it is best to do this only if to create this figure you did not use a paper napkin, but a fabric one.

You can also beautifully design a textile napkin in the shape of an envelope or a so-called sachet for cutlery:

• Fold the napkin of your choice into a rectangular shape, always with the front side facing inward.
• About a third of the top layer needs to be folded down, so you get the so-called central fold.
• Next, you should unfold the napkin with the other side. Both edges need to be folded so that they meet in the center.
• Repeat the same thing again.
• Place the necessary cutlery in the resulting pocket.

Cutlery in an “envelope” made of burlap, decorated with a bow and decorative lace, looks very original. However, most often such envelopes are sewn.

You can also fold napkins yourself in the following form:

• bunny;

• flower (the simplest is a rose);

• peacock;

• bow;

• pineapple and lotus (suitable for very festive tables).

It is not at all uncommon for housewives with skillful hands to bring beautiful figures to life using the origami technique. Decorating a table with such inventions is an art that will be appreciated by every guest.

Often, folding napkins is not difficult, but to avoid any difficulties, it is best to use ready-made diagrams that can be found on the Internet and in special magazines.

• Creating a beautifully set table may require not only time, but also patience. If you have already chosen how to arrange the napkins, do not forget to also arrange the dishes, cutlery, glasses and glasses correctly. Table etiquette plays a very important role in this case. It cannot be ignored, otherwise all efforts with napkins will be in vain.

• Don't be afraid to experiment. Feel free to bring your most unusual ideas to life. Try creating your own figures using different types of textiles and paper products. Use not only monochromatic options, but also with various designs and patterns.

• If you want to please your guests and show them what a good hostess you are, purchase only high-quality cloth napkins, which will highlight all the sophistication of your holiday table. Products made from cotton and satin are considered the most profitable and practical. They are not only pleasant to the touch, but also retain their shape perfectly. Linen napkins are quite capricious during washing, but they are no less popular than all other types of fabrics.

The textile or paper products you choose should perfectly match the tablecloth, as well as other decorations on the table, such as vases of flowers.

• 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 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 folded in turn 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. One by one, 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.

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

The basis of a festive table setting has always been beautifully folded napkins near the cutlery for each guest.

You can fold napkins in different ways; there are methods that are suitable for both fabric and paper napkins, and there are also unique patterns suitable for certain types of napkins.

We have collected the most beautiful, original and unique ideas on how to fold napkins for modern housewives in one article. Here you will find simple ways and diagrams of how to fold a napkin, video tutorials and a lot of fascinating photos of beautifully folded napkins.

A beautifully folded napkin is another way to surprise your guests and present your versatile skills. Therefore, any housewife should know how to beautifully fold napkins for table setting, especially since doing it is quite simple.

Don’t be lazy, take a couple of minutes to beautifully fold the napkins on the table, it will take a minimum of time and what an effect you will get. will immediately transform and become more festive. It might seem like a small thing, but the guests will appreciate it, believe me.

How to fold fabric napkins - the best ideas and methods

Recently, more and more housewives are choosing fabric napkins when setting the table. The simplest and most popular way to fold fabric napkins is to use special rings. By the way, you can make them yourself. Even a simple ribbon tied around a rolled napkin can serve as a substitute for a ring.

A similar method is often used in wedding settings, selecting napkin rings according to the theme and color scheme of the celebration, decorating the napkin rings with original decor and flowers.

In general, folding napkins according to the theme of the celebration is mega fashionable today. If it's a romantic dinner or Valentine's Day, beautifully folded napkins in the shape of a heart will be appropriate.

For a men's holiday or a man's birthday, napkins can be folded into the shape of a shirt. At New Year's table setting, beautiful Christmas tree napkins will support the festive mood.

Beautifully folded fabric napkins in the shape of a bunny and a rose look original and unusual, ideal for a festive dinner setting.

For simple ways to fold fabric napkins, watch the video, where you can clearly learn how to beautifully fold napkins on the table.

For more photos and diagrams of how to fold napkins, see the photo selection below. In the meantime, we will talk about the features of paper napkins and serving methods.

Beautifully folded paper napkins - ideas for holiday serving

Napkins should also match a beautifully decorated table. If the choice fell on paper napkins, we offer several interesting and beautiful ways to fold them.

Fan-folded napkins are one of the most popular ways to fold paper napkins, but you have to admit, it’s a little boring. I want something new, unusual and creative.

In order to beautifully fold a paper napkin, it is not necessary to learn the origami technique. Beautiful swans, lilies, voluminous stars from paper napkins are made very simply. Want to learn? See diagrams on how to fold napkins and try it right now.

How to beautifully fold napkins into a napkin holder or glass - original ways

It is not necessary to set the festive table for every meal. But napkins should always be on the table. Therefore, the napkin holder will not be superfluous. Even if it’s a simple breakfast, a tea party or a get-together with girlfriends.

In a regular napkin holder, napkins are often folded with the corners in the shape of a fan. Fortunately, today you can find more interesting napkin stands, for example, in the form of a girl in which the napkins serve as a skirt.

If you don’t have a napkin holder, you can put the napkins in a deep salad bowl or vase, after twisting them into separate tubes. Plain paper napkins reminiscent of a rose flower are perfect for this.

In this case, it is better to decorate the composition with green branches, as can be seen in the photo. A similar composition of napkins is ideal for a buffet table.

Napkins are not only placed on a plate or near it; a folded napkin in a glass looks very beautiful. Here is a great option on how to fold a napkin into a glass in the shape of a rose with a step-by-step diagram.

Beautifully folded napkins in the photo - interesting ideas for holiday serving

Click on point No. 2 in the table of contents below, where 12+ schemes with photos are described in detail.

Quick navigation through the article:

Four ways to lay out a napkin holder

The main answer to the question of how to beautifully fold paper napkins into a napkin holder is to make a corner out of each napkin. Look at the photo below: what do you see? Single and double fans, which were lined with paper napkin corners.

So simple and so convenient! Any napkin can be easily pulled out without destroying the ensemble, and the most ordinary napkin holder looks like a solid holder for a festive composition.

Single and double fan

What are we doing:

• When folded, bend each napkin diagonally.
• We fill the holder with the resulting corners.

Option 1 - lay out two fans towards each other.

Option 2 - lay out one fan from the center to the sides.

Bird with a colorful tail

Another option is to fold the napkins into elongated trapezoids that will become the bird's tail. For the tail details, bend parallel corners and fold the napkin in half. A bright and unusual tail will be provided by blanks made from napkins of contrasting colors. The head and neck of the bird are a napkin folded into a flat tube with a bent tip. The creative solution is described in step-by-step photos below:

Such a bird fits perfectly into the New Year's table setting, if the Rooster rules the year, or for any spring holiday - as a symbol of the return of warmth and migratory birds.

Both methods - corners and birdie - are shown step by step in a short video:

Double-sided waterfall in a cup

The fifth option is non-standard: instead of a napkin holder, we use dishes.

• We need a stable ceramic cup with a small height.
• We unfold each napkin once and fold it in half (or 2 times in half, depending on the original size).
• We lay the resulting strips on top of each other and bend them in the middle.
• Place the middle of the stack into a cup. Voila! Easy to work with, homely, creative and very attractive.

Now let’s turn to step-by-step diagrams for the most effective and simple solutions on how to beautifully fold napkins on a festive table.

12+ eye-catching patterns for napkins at the plate

Having decided to diversify the serving with napkin folds, we will take into account 2 rules:

1. We need square napkins with a side of 35–50 cm depending on the complexity of the figure (in this article we limited ourselves to simple ones);
2. Each place at the table must have a chosen figure, otherwise the hospitable harmony of the feast is disrupted.

Flower and fan in a glass

They folded it, rolled it up, slightly loosened the top and slightly bent the “petals”, and put it in a glass. A clear photo is the best instructor! Below are three options for roses - for every taste.

You will have to work a little longer with a fan (or accordion):

• We unfold a regular napkin once - so as to get a long and wide strip.
• We fold the strips like an accordion in increments of no more than 2 cm.
• We bend the accordion in half and place it in a shot glass or glass, as shown in the photo.
• We keep the same principle for fabric napkins.

Three folds for a ring and a scarf for a fork

Rings are a win-win option for beautifully folding napkins on a festive table. They also open up a new horizon for ideas. Look at the step-by-step photo below how easily an ordinary soft napkin turns into a lush, elegant bow:

The second seemingly obvious option with a ribbon is not without its classic charm. Light patterned fabrics for the theme of a particular holiday and a plain satin ribbon for the middle are ideal for such a bow:

The third option for a ring is a classic flower from Victorian England. It looks very nice on the table, but is easy to create at home:

Any of the ideas organically incorporates natural decor - a sprig of spruce for the New Year or small flowers for the Easter feast.

We can also make rings with our own hands. We will need a base (for example, a long tube of foil or cling film can be easily cut into strong rings of the desired size) and any materials for decoration - from coarse textured thread to tie a ring to thin lace that can be glued on top of cardboard.

And this cute fold in the form of a scarf is just asking to decorate the New Year's table. Playful simplicity and naive charm:

Three cutlery envelopes

By choosing any “envelope” pattern, we can not only beautifully fold napkins on the festive table, but also place cutlery or a card with the guest’s name in them. And when serving for the New Year, it can be a miniature card with a wish.

The most popular envelope in European countries is with a beveled corner. It is wide, elegant and can accommodate the entire set of appliances, and not just the pleasant little details of the decor. Detailed photos explain the simple process step by step.

Another envelope option is with a solid stripe in the middle. This simple circuit is well described in a short video instruction:

A simple version of a quick envelope will easily fit into the table setting for a home party and will require a minimum of time from the creator (involve the kids in the holiday chores!):

Volumetric figures - Candle and Crown

Are only flat circuits simple? No. Many bulk variations that stand up on a plate on their own are done in minutes!

Any schoolchild will get an interesting three-dimensional version. Napkin Candle that can create the mood for serving a romantic meal or New Year's feast:

The universal-to-use crown also folds up in a couple of minutes. It blends organically with natural decor, becoming a stand for the first spring flowers, fresh greenery or Christmas-themed spruce branches.

The perfect paper or fabric pinwheel

The classic form of origami comes to the rescue in many holiday details:

• Weathervanes on a stick for decorating a buffet display;
• Accompanying prizes at competitions along with a bouquet of balloons;
• Window decoration with hanging geometric elements;
• Wall compositions from photos.

The interesting contours of the pinwheel and ease of execution will also be useful for the festive table: the weather vane turns out beautifully from any material.

Flower Perfection itself

Let's complete the parade of simple patterns with a flat flower using the traditional origami technique. This laconic form looks simply perfect! It will take effort for your guests to destroy it for the sake of table convenience. And who said that a meal is not a place for strong aesthetic impressions? After practicing on simple diagrams, we dare and impress!

An important secret to success: for such a flower, choose a traditional, thin cotton napkin and iron it well before folding.

Secrets of choosing materials and video TOP 10 folds

• Color of napkins and tablecloth. Don't be afraid to experiment! You are not required to maintain a contrast of colors or a complete match with the tablecloth. It only makes sense to accurately support the tablecloth with napkins. A solid tablecloth, on the contrary, often becomes the background for bright solutions on each plate. Do not exclude the option of white on white, which is particularly solemn.
• Napkin material. Our story at the beginning of the article - about napkins in napkin holders - demonstrated the main thing: it is not the expensive material that colors the table setting, but the creative solution of the element. Paper napkins are a smart choice for beautiful origami. And if you prefer fabric, then choose dense textures that retain their shape well - cotton, linen, chintz, thick viscose.
• Don't chase complex patterns on your first try. It’s better to bookmark our article, because it contains only those solutions that even a novice housewife or young mother can implement, involving the baby in the process. Cooking for a holiday is one of the best educational games!
• Take the time to fold your napkins at the table. Ideally, practice in advance. After all, this is a creative process, it is designed to delight not only guests, but also you!
• Choose colors for a specific holiday. New Year is always organic in green, red, gold and white. Autumn celebrations - all the colors of leaf fall. Spring feasts feature pastel shades of blue, pink and fresh greens. And in the summer we are open to any associations - from variegated patterns to rich yellow and blue colors.

Of course, we didn’t talk about all the interesting ways to fold napkins on a festive table, and the diagrams given are only part of the ideas for a festive table setting. However, we recommend starting with our selection. Advantageous ease of execution and detailed step-by-step photos are a guarantee of success with minimal effort and time.

P.S. Attention!

A great selection of 10 simple folds for any holiday in a step-by-step video.

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