by Aundra Boeckman

Created on: February 25, 2009

Napkin folding is a simple, but elegant way to add flair to a table setting. In about twenty to thirty minutes, you can fold a place setting for eight to ten people. If you already have the napkins, this is also a free way to add an extra to the dining experience. It is generally associated with elegant restaurants, and is a skill that once learned, can be used repeatedly for either family dinners, dinner parties, weddings, or a special dinner with your spouse. Practice with one napkin for about 10 minutes before attempting to do an entire place setting, though.

If this is for a dinner party, try to fold these a few days in advance and then place them in a covered dish to avoid gathering dust. These directions are assuming a square, medium weight napkin, though they could be used with a heavier weight paper napkin as well.

First, clean the place you will be folding the napkin. Then, lay the napkin on the table so that two corners are even with your hands, and there is a point at the top and the bottom. Fold the bottom point to the top point to form a triangle with two layers of fabric that are connected at the bottom. It will resemble <^> in regards to the places you can and see two layers of fabric.

Decide if you are going to place the silverware in the napkin, or place the napkin on the plate. If you are placing the silverware in the napkin, follow directions immediately below. (If not, skip to the starred section below. )

Then, place the silverware on top, in the center below the point, if desired. The handles will be close to you on on the base of the triangle. The silverware will be visible, but if folded correctly will stay inside the napkin until unrolled by the guest.

Take the left corner and place the napkin over the silverware with the point under the silverware. Skip the starred section below.

*If you are not using silverware, you will just tightly roll the left corner to the bottom middle of the napkin. *

Last, take the right corner point and bring it around to the back of the napkin. You will tuck this point into the back of the napkin between the top two layers. If done correctly, you will have a flat bottom with a double layered point that can stand upright or hold the silverware.

If this isn't working, try starching the fabric, or try tightening the last two folds. If you stand this on the plates, it should go on the dinner plate in the center, or by the water glass.

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