5 Fancy Napkin Folding Techniques to Try

When hosting a dinner party or even a causal Taco Tuesday at home, adding a folded napkin to each place setting lends a touch of elegance and fun to any meal. Some of these napkin folding ideas can also be used to hold the silverware, adding a functional touch to each place setting.

Napkin with a Pocket

While it is a somewhat simple design, folding a napkin into a pocket to hold the silverware is a great introduction to the art of napkin folding. It’s also a fun way to get the kids involved in getting ready for a special meal.

1. Place the napkin in front of you, face down on the table. Fold the bottom edge up about 3 inches to make a band at the bottom of the napkin. Do the same with the top edge, folding the top down about 3 inches to meet the other fold in the middle of the napkin.
2. Flip the napkin over, folding in both sides to meet in the middle of the napkin.
3. Fold the left side of the napkin over to meet the right edge of the napkin, creating a small rectangular pocket at the bottom of the napkin. Insert the silverware into the pocket.

Napkin with a Diagonal Pocket

1. Place the napkin face down in front of you on the table, folding it into fourths. This can be done by folding the napkin in half and then folding it in half again.
2. Fold the first layer on top diagonally (i.e. folding the top left corner of the napkin to the bottom right corner of the napkin)
3. Flip the napkin over, folding the right side of the napkin to the middle of the napkin, pressing it down flat.
4. Fold the left side of the napkin over to the right side edge of the napkin, pressing it down flat.
5. Flip the napkin over and place the silverware in the pocket.

Buffet Roll

This design is a great option for a dinner party where guests may not be sitting at a table, but rather picking up their napkin and silverware from a basket.

Because both sides of the napkin will be visible, a solid colored napkin for this fold is generally best.

1. Place the napkin on the table in front of you, folding the lower right hand corner of the napkin halfway to the middle.
2. Fold the upper edge of the napkin down to the lower edge, creating a horizontal rectangle.
3. Fold the left edge of the rectangle shape over to the right edge of the napkin to form a square.
4. Turn the napkin in front of you so it forms a diamond shape with the open ends at the top.
5. Fold in the left, right and bottom corners, meeting in the middle of the napkin.
6. Fold the right edge towards the center, keeping the point at the top of the napkin. Fold the left edge over to meet the right edge.
7. Flip the napkin over so the point is at the top, placing the silverware in the pocket. To keep the napkin secure, use a piece of ribbon or twine to tie it together.

Napkin Cone

1. Place the napkin face down in front of you on the table, folding it into a square. This can be done by folding the napkin in half and then folding it in half again.
2. Turn the napkin one quarter turn, keeping the open side at the top of the napkin. Fold the top layer down, pressing it down flat.
3. Flip the napkin over, folding the left side of the napkin two thirds of the way over. Fold the right side of the napkin over, matching the fold on the left side of the napkin.
4. Tuck the corner of the napkin into the left hand side flap to keep secure.
5. Turn the napkin over and slip the silverware into the pocket.

Napkin Horn

1. Place the napkin face down in front of you on the table, folding it into fourths. This can be done by folding the napkin in half and then folding it in half again.
2. Turn the napkin one quarter turn, keeping the open side at the top of the napkin.
3. Fold each layer of the napkin back, tucking it into the napkin so the seam isn’t visible. Make sure to keep the layer evenly spaced apart.
4. Flip the napkin over and fold the left side of the napkin two-thirds of the way over. Fold the right side of the napkin over, matching the fold on the left side of the napkin.
5. Flip the napkin back over and add silverware to the pocket.

Other Napkin Folding Tips and Tricks

• When folding napkins, it is best to use a napkin that has been iron and starched. This will help the napkin keep its shape.
• Also, square napkins work best as they give you the most options for folding.
• In addition to holding silverware, consider using napkins to hold fresh flowers or other decorative elements on the table.

Need Help Preparing for The Party?

Does your home need a refresh before a dinner party? The cleaning professionals at Molly Maid are available to clean your home before or after your party so you can focus on the fun. Find your local Molly Maid online!