Sometimes even the smallest details make a big impact in event design, and napkins are no exception to this. While napkins may sometimes be written off as a functional addition to a place setting, they offer a wide range of design versatility. Whether your napkins are neutral, colorful, textured, or patterned, we’re showing you four easy yet bold napkin folds that give a fresh look to any setting. (Looking for even more napkin folds? Click here to see the rest of our Napkin Folding series!)
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Classic Napkin Fold • Diagonal Pocket Napkin Fold • Heart Napkin Fold • Casual Knot Napkin Fold
Classic Napkin Fold
Sleek, easy, versatile: there’s a reason the Classic Napkin Fold is considered timeless. This rectangular fold can add a bold pop of color, show off a uniquely-printed napkin, or act as a base for an event’s menu or stationery. This fold can be easily prepared ahead of time, to give you one less stress on the big day.
1 Lay the square dinner napkin on a flat surface. Fold the two bottom corners up to meet the top two corners. Smooth the napkin, creating a sharp crease.
2 Fold the top two corners down so the top edge meets the creased edge you created in Step 1. Smooth the napkin, creating a sharp crease.
3 Take the right two corners and fold them in half to meet to the left two corners. Smooth the napkin to create a sharp crease.
4 Turn the napkin counter-clockwise by one-quarter turn so the free ends are closest to you. Set, style, and enjoy!
Get this look! Party Rental Ltd. products featured:
Grey Rattan, Ceramic Coupe Platter Round 10.75”, Origami Lunch Plate 9″, Vanderbilt Black flatware, Soho Red Wine/Water Glass 10.5oz, Soho White Wine Glass 8.5oz Discontinued, Chartreuse Cotton Dinner Napkin
Diagonal Pocket Napkin Fold
Sharp creases, interesting angles, and a sense of dimension make the Diagonal Pocket Napkin Fold a standout detail in any place setting. The pockets created by this origami-like fold are perfect for displaying flatware, stationery, a sprig of greenery, or any small detail.
1 Lay the square dinner napkin on a flat surface. Fold the two bottom corners up to meet the top two corners. Smooth the napkin, creating a sharp crease.
2 Fold the left two corners over to meet the right two corners, creating a square. Smooth the napkin, creating a sharp crease.
3 Take the top right corner of the first layer and fold it in half diagonally to meet the bottom edge. Then, take the top right corner of the second layer and fold it diagonally so that the corner is tucked under the first layer, approximately an inch above the bottom edge. Repeat this diagonal fold with the third layer, so that the corner is tucked under the second layer, approximately an inch above the second layer’s bottom edge. This will create three diagonal pocket creases. Smooth the napkin between each fold.
4 Carefully flip the napkin over. Fold the left edge into the center. Smooth the napkin, creating a sharp crease.
5 Fold the right edge over to meet the left edge created in Step 4. Tuck the bottom corner into the pocket fold closest to bottom edge to secure. Flip the napkin over to reveal the fold.
6 Set, style, and enjoy!
Get this look! Party Rental Ltd. products featured:
Ziva Red Print, Smoke Glass Charger 12″, Smoke Glass Dinner 10.75″, Halo Lunch 9″, Tribeca Stainless flatware, Cypress Smoke Goblet 15.5oz, Madison Highball Glass 16oz, Flaxen Irish Linen Dinner Napkin
Heart Napkin Fold
When love is in the air, wear your heart on your sleeve or styled in a place setting. The sweet Heart Napkin Fold is perfect for Valentine’s Day soirees, a Galentine’s gathering, bridal showers, and any occasion where you want to give guests a little extra love.
1 Lay the square dinner napkin on a flat surface. Fold the two bottom corners up to meet the top two corners. Smooth the napkin, creating a sharp crease.
2 Fold the top two corners down so the top edge meets the creased edge you created in Step 1. Smooth the napkin, creating a sharp crease.
3 Place your left index finger at the center of the bottom edge to use as a guide. Using your right hand, grab the bottom right corner and fold it up so that the corner in your hand is above your left finger, creating a diagonal crease.
4 Switch hands and repeat on the left side, folding the left side so that the bottom left corner is now above the center point. You should see the bottom half of the heart begin to take shape. Smooth the napkin to create a sharp crease.
5 On the right side, tuck the top corners under to create the first half of the heart.
6 Repeat on the left side.
7 Set, style, and enjoy!
Get this look! Party Rental Ltd. products featured:
Evelyn Rose Sheer on Blush Cotton underlay, Rose Ombre Circle Glass Charger 13″, Glass Bead Dinner Plate 10.75″, Confetti Cocktail Plate 8″, Gramercy Hammered Gold flatware, Eleanor Red Wine/Water Glass 12oz, Eleanor White Wine Glass 8oz, Eleanor Flute Glass 6oz Discontinued, Blush Cotton Dinner Napkin
Casual Knot Napkin Fold
More of an anti-fold than a true napkin fold, the Casual Knot Napkin Fold plays on the unique texture of an Irish Linen Dinner Napkin for a look with loads of romantic volume. This fold can be used to complement a more rustic look or give a casual twist to an otherwise formal setting.
1 Give your Irish Linen napkin a wrinkled texture by crumpling it. (Yes, really!)
2 Lay the crumpled napkin on the table. Grab one end with your right hand as you pull the napkin through your left hand to smooth it, approximately halfway.
3 While your left hand holds the napkin, use your right hand to wrap the free end around your left index finger, starting to form the knot. To complete the knot, push the free end through the loop, folding the free end in half. This will keep the point of the napkin neatly tucked in the loop. Tighten the knot to your liking.
4 Set, style, and enjoy!
Get this look! Party Rental Ltd. products featured:
Loft Table with Walnut Insert, Maeve Blue and White Charger 12″, Aster Matte White Dinner Plate 10.75″, Aster Matte White B&B 6.25″, Vanderbilt Black flatware, THE ONE Red Wine Tasting Glass 19.5oz, Mercer Red Wine Glass 22oz, Flaxen Irish Linen Dinner Napkin
Which napkin fold will you be using at your next event? Tag us @partyrentalltd #partyrentalltd on social media so we can see your incredible design creations!