How to Fold Napkins Into Festive Shapes
Everyone loves a festive holiday table, and a dressy, folded napkin can liven up your celebration in no time. Here’s how to fold napkins into a few different festive shapes for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s Eve, or any other occasion.
The Basket Napkin (pictured above)
The Basket Napkin
With the print side (the side that will be showing on the outside of the finished fold) facing down, fold a square napkin in half diagonally to form a triangle.
Fold the base of the triangle down about 3 to 4 inches from the top.
Flip the napkin over so that the triangle is pointing to the left.
Fold the top point of the napkin down so that it’s just short of the bottom point by a couple of inches.
Fold the bottom point up a few inches past the top half.
Tuck the overlapping edge into the folded pouch of fabric on the backside of the napkin.
Fold the point of the top layer down over the front of pouch, then repeat for the back side.
Straighten the edges, fluff up the basket, and tuck in faux floral details for accents. Voila!
The Pyramid Napkin
The Pyramid Napkin
Lay a square napkin printed side down.
Fold the in half diagonally to form a triangle.
Fold the right corner up to the center point.
Repeat for the left side, creating a diamond shape.
Flip the napkin over, keeping the open-ended fold at the top.
Fold the open-ended corner downward, keeping the open end facing toward you.
Lift and fold the napkin along the center.
Shape and dress your table.
The Elf Shoe Napkin
The Elf Shoe Napkin
Fold a square napkin in half lengthwise.
Fold it lengthwise in half again.
From the top center, fold the napkin down toward the right side.
Repeat on the left side, creating a paper plane shape.
On the right-hand side of the napkin, angle a small fold toward center.
Repeat for the other side, pressing the napkin down flat with each fold.
Fold the napkin together at its center crease, keeping the folded edge together at the top.
Find the topmost flap of the napkin, and fold it up.
Tuck the back flap into fold of the “heel” of your elf shoe.
Fluff and shape the napkin until it looks just right, then add some flair and enjoy!
The Fleur de Lis Napkin
The Fleur de Lis Napkin
Fold a square napkin in half.
Fold the bottom right corner up to the top center.
Repeat on the left side to form a triangle.
Fold the top right flap down to the center.
Repeat with the left side to create a diamond shape.
Flip each top side of the diamond shape up to make smaller triangles that slightly fan out on each side.
Turn the napkin so that the clean edge is at the top.
Pinch below the smaller triangles and insert a napkin ring, or tie a ribbon to secure.
Shape your Fleur de Lis, and add a festive touch.
The Bird of Paradise Napkin
The Bird of Paradise Napkin
Fold a square napkin in half, bringing the bottom edge up to meet the top.
Fold the left edge onto the right edge to make a smaller square.
Fold the upper right corner down to the bottom left corner, making a triangle.
Rotate the napkin so that loose edges are at the top.
Fold the napkin’s left and right edges into the center.
Tuck the bottom flaps underneath the napkin.
Fold the napkin in half along its centerline.
Hold the base of napkin and gently pull up to separate the layers.
Shape your Bird of Paradise and place on your favorite plate.