Napkin Rings and Folding Techniques for an Elegant Table

How to Fold Cloth Napkins With Rings

Details are what make a table setting stand out, and a folded cloth napkin held by a ring is one of those touches that elevates the whole arrangement. Simply rolling a napkin and pushing it through a ring is an option, but folding it first delivers far more visual appeal for guests. A wide range of folding methods exists, both for napkins used with rings and for those displayed without them, and each offers a chance to demonstrate your folding ability.

Napkin rings serve a practical purpose by keeping the napkin in place while also adding decorative interest. They come in many styles, ranging from plain plastic designs in a single color to ornate brass versions decorated with small figurines.

Step 1: Create a Rectangle

This approach is quite simple. Begin by folding the napkin vertically in half, which produces a rectangle.

Step 2: Bring the Bottom Half Upward

Take the bottom half and fold it up, leaving you with a small square.

Step 3: Reposition the Napkin

Rotate the napkin until a point faces the top.

Step 4: Roll From the Left Side

Roll it firmly from the left, working about halfway across.

Step 5: Roll From the Right Side

Keep the left portion steady and roll the right portion over until the two meet.

Step 6: Slide On the Ring

Put the napkin ring in place and the fold is complete.

The Leaf Technique

A second folding option is the leaf shape. Start by laying a square napkin flat in front of you, oriented as a diamond so that points face the top, bottom and both sides. Next, take the bottom point and bring it up to meet the top point. Press a finger along the straight bottom edge up to the top point to form an indentation. After that, bring the two side points up to the top, which creates a smaller diamond. Pull the top two points downward and press them outward to the sides. Draw in the bottom third of the napkin, and it should resemble a flower that is beginning to bloom. Position the napkin ring about one-third of the way up and allow the upper section to fan out gently.

Napkin-Folding Books and Guides

Napkin folding is unquestionably an art form, and gaining proficiency requires practice over time. The most effective approach is to study pictures that demonstrate each fold and then rehearse them. Such guides, whether found online or in print, typically begin with simple folds such as triangles and bows before progressing to more involved designs like flowers, wheels and squares. These harder folds are sometimes likened to origami. Designs aimed at holiday tables, children's parties and other special occasions are also available.

Beyond folding instructions, certain napkin-folding books offer useful guidance on setting and coordinating a table. They provide ideas for linens, utensils, plates and centerpieces. Once you have become skilled at napkin folding, it makes sense that you would want the rest of the table to match that standard for your guests.

A few notable napkin-folding books are "The Simple Art of Napkin Folding" by Linda Hetzer, "Creative Napkins and Table Settings" by Jimmy Ng and "Perfect Table Settings" by Denise Vivaldo. These resources can supply additional methods for folding cloth napkins with rings, along with plenty of details to help your table settings look professionally styled.