Place a folded napkin in a goblet for a chic touch.
Adding a decorative touch to your table setting with napkins can be as simple as folding them in a diamond and placing them atop the center plate or underneath the silverware. For more elaborate decor, however, it takes only minutes to learn some of the simpler folds, while others take more time and preparation to perfect. Folds requiring precise creasing may require starch and ironing for best results.
Animal-Inspired Folds
Decorate your place settings with napkins folded to look like animals. The bird of paradise offers a classic option for an ornate decorative touch. The finished piece has four feather-like spikes arranged in a half-fan. For an Easter meal or a spring treat for the kids, create a small bunny. After making the bunny fold, secure a small button with a safety pin and use three pieces of string for whiskers. The result is a distinct bunny complete with tall ears.
Goblet Folds
Incorporating goblets into your napkin folding gives an elegant touch. Use clear goblets, or coordinate their colors with the napkins' for a dramatic contrast or complement. Pleat a napkin for a classic fan fold, then place it in a goblet. For a softer shape with swirls of fabric, use a lily fold, similar to a bird of paradise but less angular. The fleur de lys napkin echoes the iconic art nouveau floral motif, and you can always incorporate two different folds, like the candle -- folded to look like a tall candlestick -- and fan, then tuck the creation into the goblet.
Quirky Folds
Incorporate decorative napkins that create character rather than an elegant or classic ambiance into your table setting. The neck tie fold works well for father's day, a male's birthday and even work luncheons or banquets. The shirt fold looks like a tiny replica of a work shirt when folded properly. Use it at christening dinners, bar mitzvahs, father's day and professional banquets.
Pouches
Instead of placing table napkins on the dinner plate or water goblet, present it restaurant-style and pair it with the silverware. The basic silverware pouch is shaped like a rectangle with a straight horizontal or diagonal pocket where the silverware sits. A fancy silverware pouch has several diagonal folds running across the front. A diamond silverware pouch comes to a point at the bottom and may have several chevron folds. Use these styles for a functional and elegant napkin setup.
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