Napkin Folding 101

Happy Tuesday everyone.  Thank you for all your sweet comments about the wheat grass. I certainly hope a lot of you will try it.  I was finishing the Easter table today and wondered how many of you know how to make the “boat” or “hat” shaped folded napkins?

This is my favorite way of presenting napkins on a “set” tablescape.

I have 3 other ways that I go-to on occasion:

Folded over the back of a chair

Fanned in a glass

Gathered up in a smart napkin ring

I honestly don’t remember how I learned to fold them this way, but I’ve used it for many years.

I used the toile napkins that match the tablecloth.

First, lay the napkin out flat (it must be a square napkin).  Iron if you need to. 

Then, flip it over to the back so you’re starting with it upside down if you have a patterned fabric.  (See the creases where mine has already been folded?)

Start with any corner and fold over to make a large triangle.

Don’t worry if it doesn’t match up perfectly.  This is where you see that it’s not perfectly square!!!  It will cover itself later just as long as you generally have a good triangle.

Next, fold the left side of the triangle up to meet the top of the triangle.  You could start with the right side, but I have always started with the left.  Old habits, I guess.

(I love this toile pattern!)

Fold the right side up to the center point of the triangle to  where it meets the left side.

And, now it should be a square again.  Keep in mind I am standing behind it and this is the view I have when I’m folding it.  I suppose it’s more of a diamond angle instead of thinking of it as square.

You are now going to grab it from the top and flip it over again towards you making it upside down.

Grab the bottom and fold over to meet the top point. You are forming another triangle.  Of course, each time the entire napkin profile is getting smaller.

Again, see how the fabric doesn’t line up perfectly?  Don’t worry about it!!!

Hang with me. I promise we are almost finished!

Fold the two ends inward towards themselves.

Start in the middle or either side.

Making the final triangle.

Turn up and over and you will begin to see the finished product.

Don’t let go!!!

Voilà!

And, like magic, it stands on its own!

Back view.

A little creasing and fluffing and there you have it!

I promise it gets easier when you’ve done it several times.  It literally only takes me a few seconds to fold each one.  I sometimes fold sets of napkins this way and keep them folded in storage because they are so compact and will be ready at a moments notice if I need them.

Well, I’ve got to get back to working on the dining table.  I’m putting the finishing touches on it and will share it with you in a couple days.

Happy Easter Decorating,

Kim

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Bunny Blog Hop at French Country Cottage

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