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Tuesday, April 3, 2012

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?

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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

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Fanned in a glass

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Gathered up in a smart napkin ring

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

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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. 

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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?)

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

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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.

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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.

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(I love this toile pattern!)

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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.

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

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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.

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

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Hang with me. I promise we are almost finished!
Fold the two ends inward towards themselves.

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Start in the middle or either side.

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Making the final triangle.

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

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Don’t let go!!!

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Voilà!

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And, like magic, it stands on its own!

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Back view.

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A little creasing and fluffing and there you have it!

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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

Linking up to these great parties:
Bunny Blog Hop at French Country Cottage
WOW! Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants

18 comments:

Pamela said...

Kim what a great tutorial and I too love that toile!!!

SImple and Serene Living said...

Thanks for sharing this. I had forgotten how it was done. Can't wait to see your finished table.
Lauara

Cynthia said...

Great tutoria, thanks.
By the way I love your table linens. Just beautiful.

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

Great tute, Kim. I love that pattern too.

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Awesome, thank you!

Always wondered exactly how to do that - could be why I have about 80trillion different napkins rings, haha.

Great post!

chateau chic said...

Hi Kim,
This post is full of great ideas for adding some flare to the table setting using the napkin. Your tutorial was very helpful.
Mary Alice

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Thanks for the tips, KIm! I LOVE the toile...so pretty! Hope you are having a great week!...hugs...Debbie

Sandy said...

Thanks so much for the instructions
but what I really want are those
napkins.. beautiful!
Thanks for your visit to my blog
today and your kind words...
I'm following your now...
Happy Spring
Sandy

Bliss said...

Now you are a hand model!

Bliss

Unknown said...

Very lovely! I wish I had enough people for Easter to take the time to do this! Have a wonderful Easter!! Hope the Easter Bunny comes to visit!! :D

Unknown said...

Your blog is lovely, I am following on you Linky!!

Karen said...

Toile is so pretty, one of my favorite patterns. Great tutorial, thanks for visiting and following, following you as well.

La Brocanteuse said...

Hello Kim,
This is lovely, the blue toile , the grass in white ironstone,
and thank you for sharing how to fold..will keep this in mind..hugs to you
Colette

Julie Khuu | Haute Khuuture said...

Love the fanfare! A perfect textural addition to a chic spring table...great tips!

xo-Julie
Peace. Love. LOL!

Haute Khuuture.com

Kelly said...

Thanks for the napkin folding tutorial. I've never folded napkins that way before. They certainly make the table setting look more sophisticated that way!

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Kim, The toile tablecloth and napkins are beautiful! I hope you have a happy Easter.
xo, Sherry

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Love it!!..now, where did you get those beautiful linens!!

momto8 said...

thank you! My kids have the chore of the setting dishes and they usually fan the napkin in the glasses....they are getting better at it !! Happy Easter!
your linens are gorgeous!

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