How to fold paper napkins for table settings

Eating delicious food is one of man’s favorite pastimes. And he gets more pleasure from the process when the meal is beautifully arranged. Part of this action is the proper design of the place. Beautiful cuts, sets of tableware, decor in the form of flowers, candles, tablecloths and napkins transform the table, giving aesthetic pleasure to those who eat the food. And it seems that the food is getting tastier. Moreover, this applies not only to the festive feast, but also to everyday meals.

Table setting

Many people think that setting the table does not require much skill. Meanwhile, if you want to be known as an etiquette expert and learn how to harmoniously organize every meal for your family even on a weekday, you should know the basic rules of table setting.

The procedure should be as follows: spread the tablecloth; arrange plates, cutlery, glasses, wine glasses, glasses; lay out fabric or paper napkins and place decorative elements (flowers, candles). At a formal feast, tableware is laid out according to the diagram, which shows the complete layout.For your table, place only those utensils that will be needed to eat the dishes on your menu.

NOTE! The design style must be consistent in one direction.

For example, if you are planning to hold a marine-themed party, then to create the right atmosphere, use white, blue and blue colors and napkins with images of sea creatures. The same rule applies to color design.
Do not forget that paper napkins are used for personal hygiene of people present at the table. Therefore, they are positioned so that they are convenient to take. When creating a beautiful composition in a napkin holder, do not use complex folding options so that guests do not spend extra effort unfolding the napkin into an even sheet. Of course, this rule does not apply to those napkins that are used as decoration.

Why are napkins needed on the table?

Some people believe that using napkins at the table is not necessary. But this is a mistaken opinion. This item allows you to maintain cleanliness while eating, and is also an indispensable decorative element, a kind of decoration that can be used to lift your spirits. There are two types of this thing: paper and fabric version.

IMPORTANT! The paper version is used in two versions: for individual use or for decorating a feast.

According to the rules of etiquette, the knitted version should be folded on the knees; it protects a person’s clothing during a meal. If you need to get up from the table for a while, it is carefully hung on the back of a chair or placed to the left of the plate. Under no circumstances should you allow fabric to be folded into a plate.This is considered bad form and a sign of disrespect for the owners.

In the first case, two pieces are placed near each guest’s plate and laid out in sufficient quantities on napkin holders. In the second, their placement depends on the overall design: in a plate, near the cutlery, across the entire surface of the table at an equal distance from each other.

Methods for serving paper napkins

In order to beautifully decorate a feast for the holiday, you can use several effective techniques: arrange beautifully on available utensils (napkin holders, glasses or cups), play on color contrast, create beautiful figures using origami techniques. Each method is good in its own way. They can be used individually or in combination. The main thing was that the entire composition looked harmonious and fit organically into the overall design style.

When painting a table, do not allow the details to be overly complex and overloaded with decor. Remember: all good things should be in moderation.

Method 1: playing in contrast

This method is best for daily use. It consists of the following manipulations:

• A napkin of the same color is laid out in a square for each person on a spread tablecloth (if using a white tablecloth, it should be brightly colored; if the tablecloth is colored, then use a white base);
• A contrasting one is laid out on the square of the base, unfolded in such a way as to form a diamond on the square;
• A plate is placed on top;
• This design is complemented by napkins placed in various containers, which alternate in color.

Method 2: simple geometry

Another simple option is to roll a napkin in the form of a simple figure: a triangle, a prism, a cone, a fan.For example, in order to create a beautiful hut, you need to take a colored base and follow this procedure:

• Fold the base in half;
• On the left side, tuck half of the fold inward at a right angle;
• Fold the right side in the same way;
• You should end up with an isosceles triangle. Do not smooth the fold line; it should bend, forming a wave;
• Fold it in half and straighten the bottom of the product and place it on a plate.
• Another interesting option can be obtained using a decorative ring. You can buy it or make it yourself.
  The example shows how to fold a cloth napkin, but this method is quite applicable to the paper version.
• Lay out the base into a diamond shape. We assemble the top edge with an accordion. We put the ring on and carefully straighten both sides.

Method 3: pockets for cutlery

REFERENCE! One serving method involves using napkins to create attractive containers for spoons, forks and knives. This type can be used for everyday use. Let's start with the simplest triangle.

For this method you will need one folded napkin. Scheme:

• Fold the base in half;
• Fold one side in half;
• Turn the folded side up;
• Fold one side diagonally;
• Fold the other side identically;
• Fold the sides diagonally again;
• On the reverse side of the product you will get two pockets for a fork and a spoon.

Another interesting option has a rectangular shape.
The photo shows detailed instructions for creation.

Pockets made from material of two colors look especially original and unusual.

Method 4: simple figures

This method combines functionality and decorativeness.Such a creation is easy to unfold and at the same time, when placed on a plate, it unusually decorates the table. Such elements are great for decoration.

REFERENCE! The decor in the form of a shirt is suitable for formal men's parties.
For this embodiment, you can use both single-color options and multi-colored samples.

Operating procedure:

• Fold the napkin so that its corners meet at the center point;
• Bring the left and right edges towards the middle;
• Fold the top edge back slightly;
• Turn the workpiece over and bend the right and left corners as shown in the photo;
• Following the pattern in the image, bend the bottom corners;
• Fold the workpiece horizontally.

The next option is great for decorating a New Year's table. This is a charming Christmas tree.
To create it you will need several napkins:

• Stack the blanks;
• Bend the top corners so that each layer is a small distance from the previous one;
• Turn the workpiece over and tuck the edges towards the middle as shown in the photo;
• Turn the workpiece over again;
• Fold the layers as shown in the image, while tucking the corner under the previous layer;
• Do not press the folds, this will give your product volume;
• The finished product can be decorated with decor.

Method 5: complex figures

Another popular way is to arrange the napkin in the shape of a crown.
Procedure:

• Fold the workpiece diagonally to form an isosceles triangle;
• Tuck sharp corners to the top, resulting in a diamond shape;
• Then we bend the upper part of the last fold so that the corner touches the lower apex of the diamond;
• In two steps we bend the upper part as shown in the instructions;
• We tuck the sharp tip of the left side into the right hole;
• The result should be a looped workpiece;
• We bend the outer corners and place the product on a plate.

Also an appropriate decoration for a formal feast, especially for children, would be decor in the form of various animals.

For example, make an adorable bunny according to the suggested model.
Or a swan figurine will wonderfully decorate a wedding festive table.
For a special tea party, a napkin arranged according to the “Artichoke” method will serve as a charming decoration. Help! When using any method to decorate your table, be sure to place extra napkins. Since the main role of this item is to ensure the personal hygiene needs of guests.

Advantages of paper napkins over cloth ones

All of the above table setting methods are suitable for both paper and fabric options. But decorating with paper has a number of undoubted advantages:

1. Firstly, it is more economical than the second and allows you to reduce costs. This consists of the cost of the item, as well as the indirect costs of detergents and stain removers.
2. Secondly, they are much more convenient to use. They absorb fat and moisture better, and also cleanse the skin of the hands and face better.
3. Thirdly, their use reduces time consumption. Not to mention the reduction in washing time, they also do not require ironing or starching.

They are also easy to recycle and do not harm the environment.

Another undoubted advantage is the choice of colors, embossing and texture. In the paper version it is much more diverse than in their fabric products.