Ok, here we are on the heels of Thanksgiving and more festivities are rushing our way. I know what you are going to say. It’s the same time period every year. Yet somehow it feels like the time between the two holidays gets shorter and shorter. So, if you are one of the lucky ones that’s been tapped twice for hosting duties, bless you, and you may need some new entertaining tricks.
Since I have noticed that one of the most highly viewed posts on my blog is Napkin Folding - 5 Basic Folds - Countless Options, I figured that might be where a few fresh ideas are needed. That post seems to really resonate with readers around the world, and I hope it continues to provide simple yet pretty options for your table settings. But if you’ve already used up those ideas, a bunch of festive options might come in handy right about now.
This post isn’t as extension as the previous. I didn’t show all the ways you can modify or adorn each one. And I didn’t show perfectly finished place settings, but I did give you a little something extra.
Video demonstrations to show exactly how to fold each one, plus bullet point step by step instructions.
Cue the video tape!
Let’s start with the most obvious festive fold for the season…
The Christmas Tree
I used a deep forest green square napkin. Of course, you can use whatever color you want, the tree shape is clear but green drives the theme home.
Fold in half, and in half again to create a smaller square.
Fold back the first open edge up towards the top of the triangle point of the napkin.
Continue to fold up each open edge to create layers.
Turn the napkin over and fold the sides inward toward the bottom edge
Flip back over, making any tiny adjustments, and add a decorative topper. Or just leave it as a plain tree is just fine, too.
The Holiday Wreath
I used an orange and green plaid napkin. I felt it gave more visual interest as a wreath. Of course, you can use whatever color you want, but I recommend a multicolored option to add to the affect.
Accordion fold the napkin.
Holding one end, twist the folded napkin all the way to the next end.
Pull one end through a napkin ring letting the edges stick out.
Tuck the other end into the ring.
Adjust so it’s round and add a decorative element.
The Poinsettia
For this one, I like using a napkin that has a border to help create more of a flower petal effect. But if you don’t have napkins like that it’s fine. The shape is unmistakably flower-like. Back in my catering days we used this folding method to create decorative liners for bread baskets. I figured why not make a bold statement at each place setting with this fold that is reminiscent of large Poinsettia petals.
With right side down, fold each corner into the center to create a smaller square.
Holding the center together, flip the napkin over and fold each point into the center creating an even smaller square. I find flipping it right onto the plate makes it easier so the shape remains beautiful without having to move it.
Then holding the center points, pull the under fold out and up to create a petal. Repeat for each corner.
Simply placed on the center of the plate it creates a big, bold statement.
The Menu Envelope
Some of us go all out and actually print out a menu. Instead of just placing the menu on the plate, why not conceal it within a napkin envelope. And for those who think printing up a menu is overkill, reconsider for these top three reasons.
It informs your guests of the glorious meal that awaits them
It shows you took the time to curate the menu.
It creates a pretty keepsake for you and your guests.
Onto the fold. Use a square napkin, color of your choice. I chose white for a traditional envelope feel, here’s how it goes.
Fold in half, and half again to create a smaller square.
Place the folded corner edge at the top, then place your menu in the center
Fold the side corners in over the sides of the menu
Fold the bottom triangle edge up towards the middle and tuck the top edge under to reveal the top of the menu
Fold the top triangle down to close the envelope, and adorn with a decorative pop of color or a sprig of rosemary
You can also leave the menu out placed on top of the envelope.
The Fountain Burst
You can use any color napkin. I chose one with a dainty border to impart a fringe edge.
Fold in half, and then accordion fold the entire napkin.
Pull the bottom of the napkin through a napkin ring. (If you don’t have a napkin ring, you can cut paper towel tubes into rings. Since it will be covered for the finished result it’s not crucial that you use some pretty napkin ring. You can even use ribbon to tie it.)
Pull the napkin through 1/3 the way up, then tuck the bottom edges up and into the ring, covering it completely.
Place onto the plate and fan out the top portion to create a fountain burst across the entire plate.
Or you can leave the bottom untucked and let it fan out on the bottom as well. That’s pretty too!
I hope the videos helped to demonstrate how fairly easy these are to pull off. This was my first video demonstration, so please be kind with your comments, but any and all feedback is always welcomed. I’m learning as I go to help give you a more visual representation of my work. Lastly, my apologies that these weren’t in full table set ups, but I know that your imaginations and creativity will bring the entire table setting together. Just in case you need a head start, here are a few suggestions:
Take cues from the napkin theme you choose to inform your table design. For example, if using a Christmas tree napkin, keep the centerpiece simple by laying down some greens and adding votive candles as a table runner.
Same goes for the Holiday wreath. Maybe twist greens into a circle and place the votives in the center to mimic the wreaths.
I hope these napkin folds help bring cheer to your holiday table.
May you have a safe, healthy and joyous Christmas
May the New Year usher in a true sense of health and well being for all of human kind.
Blessings!
