Youth and beauty 

How to fold paper napkins beautifully. Napkin "Starfish". Serving napkins in a napkin holder

The center of any meal is a tastefully set table. When a hostess has a question about table textiles, a tablecloth and table napkins come to mind. Why do you need cloth napkins? How to deal with them during a feast?

This article is intended for persons over 18 years of age.

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What is a textile napkin

They are divided into two types, based on the purpose. Substitute napkins are those that are laid on the table personally for each guest and on which the serving is organized. But the most common is the second version of table napkins, which need to be laid on your knees and wipe your hands. It is about them that we will talk. Moreover, you will learn three ways to fold textile napkins: the simplest, but effective and meeting the main requirements of etiquette.

Where did the napkin come from on the tables


During the Middle Ages, such an attribute of a feast as napkins had not yet been invented, and to wipe their hands from grease, people used the tablecloth itself. Only noble guests were served a bowl of water and lemon, which has disinfectant properties, to rinse their fingers in it.
Napkins came into widespread use only in the 16th century. At first, napkins were placed on the shoulder, on the arm, or were used as a bib, which was attached to the vest with silver hooks or tied at the back of the neck. Gradually, the napkins "moved" to my knees. In the 17th century, when women's skirts became more puffy, the size of napkins grew to 90-115 cm. With the advent of new cutlery, the size of the napkin also changed. So, as soon as the use of a fork came into practice (and this happened only in the middle of the 18th century), the participants in the meal became more accurate and the napkins decreased in size.

Modern textile napkins: materials and sizes, style and color

According to the canons of classic table etiquette, for a banquet, a dinner party or a dinner party, table textiles should be sewn from natural white linen. But modern table etiquette allows you to deviate from this rule, besides, there is now a huge variety of mixed table linen fabrics: beautiful, expressive, and most importantly, more practical to use (for example, Teflon-coated fabrics that are not afraid of fat, wine and coffee ). For an informal meal, white table linens can easily be replaced with beige or another neutral hue. And if you want to create a certain mood at the table or maintain the style of the interior, then etiquette allows colored or even combined tablecloths and napkins: the fabric can be plaid or striped, with a floral or any other interesting print. Choose according to your taste! A very convenient and win-win option is the use of companion fabrics, when on one of the elements of table linen (tablecloth or napkins) a fabric with a multi-colored pattern is used, and on the other - a plain fabric that repeats one of the colors of the print; or two prints are combined (for example, flowers and stripes) with the choice of the same color palette.


The size of a modern table napkin is about 40x40 cm (from 36 to 46 cm), the tea napkin is smaller - about 30x30 cm (from 25 to 35 cm).

In the modern world, textile napkins are an indispensable attribute of table setting, so every housewife should take care of their availability.

Why do we need textile napkins if there are paper ones


For the first time, they learned about paper napkins in 1867, when their first batch was produced at a paper mill in England. The guests really liked this serving attribute, and since then their production on an industrial scale has begun. Paper napkins have a number of advantages: they perfectly absorb moisture, and most importantly, there is no need for washing, which, of course, every housewife will appreciate.
But can they completely and completely replace textiles?

Linen napkins are an indispensable attribute of any feast, their main goal is the comfort of guests and the safety of their costumes. However, paper napkins must be present on the table in sufficient quantities.

The main task of a textile napkin is to protect the guest's outfit, it should be laid on your knees. Also, a linen napkin is used when the fingers are a little dirty. What to do if the hands are very dirty, and what to use during a runny nose? Paper napkins will save you, for these purposes they were created.

How to use textile napkins


All the guests, including the hosts, took their places and the meal began. The hostess is the first to start the feast - she unfolds her napkin, then the guests follow her example.

  • take a textile napkin from the table and unfold;
  • fold it in half and place it on your knees with the fold towards you;
  • during the feast, wipe slightly soiled fingers with the top edge of the napkin, while not removing it from your knees;
  • leave a napkin on the chair in case you need to go out;
  • if you get up from the table already at the end of dinner, then put a napkin to the left of the plate. There is no need to fold it again: grab the middle of the napkin so that all the folds come together and lay it on the table. When the hostess does the same with her napkin, consider that the dinner is over.

Three ways to fold napkins

Arriving at a restaurant, we often see napkins twisted in the form of a Crown, French lily, Bishop's Miter, or other unusual shape. The art of folding napkins came to us from the 17th century. At the French court, there were special people who folded napkins for the royal table and did it simply masterfully, but it was forbidden to use such a napkin for its intended purpose, as it was considered a violation of the rules of etiquette. During the Victorian era, views on the rules of behavior at the table changed somewhat - people began to think more about hygiene. Imagine how many times you have to touch the napkin in the process of folding, and, moreover, what a crumpled look it will have after being in the form of a Fan or an Artichoke! It is unlikely that any of the guests will want to wipe their hands or lips with such a napkin.


Complex folding options faded into the background, they were replaced by simpler ones. Modern etiquette adheres to the same rules for folding napkins: a minimum of touching and a minimum of folds.

They are absolutely universal:

  • they meet the requirements of modern table etiquette: a minimum of touches and folds;
  • very simple: any housewife will easily master them and will spend no more than five minutes on serving, which means that a woman will have extra time to rest - this is priceless;
  • spectacular and suitable for different styles of serving.

When choosing a way to fold napkins, you need to take into account the occasion of the meal itself. For an official feast, napkins with lace or a fan-folding option are definitely not suitable. But to create a warm spring mood - what you need.

"Petals"

By the way, the method of folding napkins "Petals" will come in handy - an ideal option for an informal cozy atmosphere, which goes well with the floral print of textiles and floral decor on the table.


1. Unfold the napkin and lay it on the table with the wrong side up.


2. Take the upper left corner and pull it to the opposite corner, folding the napkin in half, forming a triangle.



3. Pull the upper corner of the resulting triangle to the left corner, but do not connect them to each other.



4. Repeat the action: fold the right edge to the left without closing the corners of the napkin.



5. The napkin is ready! We put it on a substitution plate with the petals to the right, put a snack plate on top. We complement the serving with cutlery and glasses.



Napkin rings


Today, napkin rings are used as a decorative serving element. But there were times when rings had a different function: they guaranteed ownership of a dirty napkin.

Historical note: since table linen was rarely washed, textile napkins were used many times. The rings served as an identification mark so that the guest could be sure that he received exactly his dirty napkin.

Rings are made from different materials: silver, wood, fabric, etc. But even in the absence of serving rings, you can easily improvise, for example, replace them with a ribbon.

There are many ways to insert a napkin into a ring: you can fold the napkin into unusual folds, fold it like a fan or just twist it into a tube, choose any one you like! Let's look at the simplest option:

1. Unfold the napkin and lay it on the table inside out.


2. Take the napkin by the middle with your hand and shake it to form free folds.


3. We put the middle of the napkin into the ring and straighten the folds. Ready!


The napkin enclosed in the ring can be conveniently placed directly on the plate. Firstly, it will save space on the table and free up space for dishes. And secondly, a napkin on a plate, as it were, will hint to the guest that he will not be able to start the meal until he spreads the napkin on his knees.


Envelope for cutlery "Stripes"

A napkin envelope is a great option for formal dinners in a simple style. Although, if you dilute the serving with delicate decor or flowers, this way of folding napkins will also be appropriate at an informal dinner with close people.


1. Place a folded napkin on the table so that the four free corners are at the top right.


2. Take the top free corner and fold it diagonally inward as shown in the photo. Align the fold.


It is very convenient to put cutlery in the formed "pockets", thereby saving space on the table. In addition, you can put a note, flowers, a gift or even a small bun there.


Beautifully folded napkin will decorate your table. The napkin can be given a variety of shapes: from simple traditional to more intricate. Keep in mind that starched napkins are much easier to roll. But always remember that textile napkins are an indispensable element of serving, you cannot do without it, giving preference to paper napkins.


Do not neglect the rules of etiquette. Show respect to your guests, worrying about their appearance, then they will appreciate your care and in return thank you for the warm welcome!

Any festive table will look more attractive if it is decorated with beautiful and original folded paper or linen napkins. Correctly and skillfully executed figurines will make an indelible impression on the guests and make the event unforgettable. There are many options for how to fold napkins so that they look original and unique. To make them, you will need a little time, effort and minimal knowledge of origami techniques.

South Cross

This strict and concise form of folding a napkin in the finished version resembles a cross, which is why it has such a name. It is more suitable for decorating a lunch or dinner with close friends than a luxurious festive feast. To fold the Southern Cross:

  1. Take the material and lay it inside out.
  2. Bend all 4 corners alternately to the center.
  3. Flip the resulting square.
  4. Connect the corners again in the center.
  5. Turn the piece over.
  6. Bend the edges of the napkin 1 more time. Lay it with any sharp end up to make a diamond.
  7. Pull the right corner out.
  8. Do the same for the other 3 corners.
  9. Smooth out the shape with your hand.

A photo will help to clearly see how this can be done.

Artichoke

An original and cute figurine stylized as an artichoke flower can also decorate a festive and everyday table. The sequence of its execution is as follows:

  1. Lay the napkin face down. Bring all the corners to the middle.
  2. Bend the corners towards the center again.
  3. Flip the square.
  4. Bend the corners towards the middle again.
  5. Take any corner from the center of the square and pull it towards you.
  6. Then do the same for the other corners.
  7. Pull out the edges that are on the back of the figure.

That's all. The artichoke flower is ready.

Shirt

You can fold napkins beautifully in the form of a shirt. To do this, you need a piece of material at least 30 cm in width and length. In order to make a figurine, follow these points:

  1. Connect all the corners of the square in the center.
  2. Wrap to the middle 2 of its straight sides.
  3. Turn the workpiece over and bend the uppermost edge 2 cm down, iron the fold with your fingers.
  4. Lay the rectangle facing you and bring the edges of the "collar" together.
  5. Unfold the bottom halves of the napkin to the sides.
  6. Wrap the bottom edge halfway, and then wrap it again and bring it to the "collar".
  7. Place the finished figurine on a serving plate.

To do everything right, look at the photo.

french envelope

To make an envelope, you will need a linen napkin measuring at least 50 by 50 cm. Step-by-step instructions for execution are presented below:

  1. Fold a piece of fabric in half from left to right, and then in half again from top to bottom.
  2. Fold the resulting rhombus in half from left to right.
  3. Then return the left side to its place, take the upper right corner and bring it to the center.
  4. Fold it in half again.
  5. Bring the edge to the left side of the workpiece.
  6. Take the top right corner again and fold towards the middle.
  7. Fold it in half.
  8. Flip the rhombus.
  9. Bend both edges of the square so that they meet in the center.
  10. Rotate the rectangle towards you.
  11. Put the envelope on a serving plate and put a knife and fork in the "pockets" as in this photo.

Bon Appetit!

Herringbone

The New Year's table can be decorated with a Christmas tree-shaped napkin. To do this, do the following:

  1. Fold the fabric in half 2 times.
  2. Bend each layer up one by one so that there is a gap of about 2 cm between them.
  3. Turn the piece over.
  4. Bend the corners to the middle so that a triangle comes out.
  5. Press it down with your hand and smooth it out so that it holds its shape better.
  6. Rotate the triangle to face you.
  7. Fold up each layer and bring the edges under the previous one.

Put the Christmas tree on a plate and decorate with a snowflake or a bow.

You can also make a three-dimensional Christmas tree, as shown here.

Rybka

An origami fish will look unusual on the table. To fold it, take a regular square napkin, and then:

  1. Fold it along both diagonals, unfold it, take the edges of both parts exactly in the middle and bring them together along the lines formed so that you get a triangle.
  2. Fold both parts alternately along the transverse axis and return them back.
  3. Bring the right edge to this line and return back. Do the same with the opposite part.
  4. Bring the right corner to the left diagonal.
  5. Overlap it with the left edge of the triangle.
  6. Turn the triangle with the other side towards you.

By the same principle, make as many "fish" as required.

Aster

Here is another option on how to decorate the table with napkins. This time, for its design, you can make a beautiful aster flower, for which:

  1. Lay a paper or fabric square on a table and fold the bottom half in half.
  2. Fold the top in half.
  3. Flip the rectangle face down and fold the top half towards you.
  4. Fold the bottom half in half.
  5. Expand them.
  6. Take the rectangle by the bottom edge and fold it to the nearest horizontal line.
  7. Bend the entire workpiece "accordion".
  8. Take it by the upper left edge and alternately tuck in the edges of the folds, so that you get triangles.
  9. Connect the outermost triangles on both sides.

Put the "aster" on a plate.

Heart

For a wedding feast, napkins folded in the shape of a heart are the best fit. For this:

  1. Bend the square diagonally and turn it up.
  2. Fold the right corner of the triangle up along the transverse axis.
  3. Do the same with the other part.
  4. Fold the top right edge inward.
  5. Fold the left corner inwards.
  6. Turn the piece over.
  7. Fold the top up.
  8. Flip the figurine.

Place the "heart" on a plate next to the cutlery.

royal lily

Another simple flower to decorate the table is the royal lily. To make it, do the following:

  1. Place a square piece of cloth on the table.
  2. Connect together all the corners in the center.
  3. Flip the square.
  4. Bring the lower left edge to the middle.
  5. Connect the remaining 3 edges in the center.
  6. Place a small glass on top.
  7. Turn out the bottom left corner.
  8. Do the same for the rest of the edges.
  9. Remove the glass.

Place lilies near each guest's cutlery.

pinwheel

This is another origami figurine to decorate the festive table. Step-by-step instructions for its manufacture are presented below:

  1. Connect all 4 corners of the canvas together in the center.
  2. Also connect both parts of the square along the transverse axis.
  3. Turn the rectangle over and fold the bottom half in half.
  4. Fold the top in half.
  5. Pull out the top right edge.
  6. Pull the left triangle up.
  7. Straighten the lower right corner to the right.
  8. Free up the remaining corner.

The turntable can be placed on a plate both front and wrong side.

Video instruction

Napkins in their utilitarian meaning have a long history. In ancient Greece, fig tree leaves served as napkins, with which slaves wiped their master's lips. Cloth napkins are first mentioned in ancient Rome. During the Middle Ages, napkins appeared in Europe.

Nowadays, when serving a festive table, the hostess will never forget to put a napkin near the plate of each guest. Currently, two types of napkins are used: fabric and paper. Cloth ones are usually laid on their knees, and lips and fingers are wiped with paper ones.

Sometimes paper napkins are not served on the table, but only fabric ones are present. In this case, one napkin is used both to protect clothes and to wipe.

Today, napkins are a table decoration!

Here are some ways how to fold cloth napkins when setting the table beautifully:

  • Lily

1. Initial form - the napkin is folded diagonally. 2. Align the left and right corners with the top of the triangle. 3. Fold the napkin in half along the horizontal axis. 4. Bend the top of the upper triangle.

  • royal lily

1. Initial form - the napkin lies face down. 2. Bend in turn all its corners to the center. 3. Turn the napkin over. 4. Bend its corners to the center again. 5. Holding the corners in the center, pull the corners from the bottom so that they form “petals”.

  • Artichoke

1. Initial form - the napkin lies with the wrong side up. Bend all four corners to the center. 2. Bend all corners to the center again. 3. Turn the napkin over. 4. Bend all corners to the center again. 5. Pull out the tip of the napkin that is inside the rectangle. 6. Pull out the rest of the tips. 7. Pull the remaining four corners from under the folded figure.

  • Handbag

1. Initial form - fold the napkin vertically in half (fold on the right). 2. And fold in half again from bottom to top. 3. Bend the two layers of the upper left corner to the center. 4. Bend the upper right corner to the center. 5. Bend the resulting triangle down along the line just below the middle. 6. Bend the upper right and left corners to the middle. 7. Bend the resulting triangle down to the first triangle.

  • Horizontal sachet

1. Initial form - the napkin is folded in half with the front side inward (fold at the bottom). 2. Bend a third of the top layer down to form a central crease. 3. Turn the opposite side towards you. Bend the sides so that they touch in the center. Fold the same again.

  • Diagonal sachet

1. Initial form - the napkin is folded four times. 2. Fold back the corner of the first layer of fabric 2 inches (5 cm), repeat the operation. 3. Fold over the second layer of tissue paper, tucking a corner under the diagonal bolster to form a second 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide roll. 4. Fold the top and bottom of the napkin and lay it on the table, orienting it vertically so that the folds remain diagonal.

  • Tiered corners

1. Initial form - the napkin is folded four times. 2. Fold the first layer of napkin fabric diagonally so that the corner is at the left point. Bend the second layer so that the second corner is 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from the first. 3. Repeat the above with the third and fourth layers of fabric so that all corners are 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. 4. Fold the sides down and place the napkin on the table.

  • Everest

1. Initial form - the napkin is folded in half horizontally (fold from above). 2. Fold the top corners diagonally towards the middle. 3. Align the sides of the triangle so that their sharp corners are at the bottom. 4a. Turn the figure over and bend the ends, which will become a support for it. 4b. Bend along the vertical axis with folds inward. 5. Stand the napkin upright.

  • Calla

1. Initial form - the napkin is folded diagonally with the front side out (fold at the bottom). 2. Finish the upper corner, forming a "bag" 3. Turn out about 1/3 of the "bag". 4. Straighten the resulting figure and give the napkin a vertical position.

  • Column

1. Initial form - the napkin is folded diagonally. 2. Bend the base up, then back about 2-3 cm. 3. Starting from the left, roll the napkin into a tube. Lay the remaining edge in the lower folded edge of the napkin.

  • Hat with lapel

1. Initial form - the napkin is folded with the wrong side inward (left fold). 2. Fold the napkin in half again to make a square (fold at the bottom). 3. Wrap the lower left corner, leaving 2-3 cm to the top. 4. Bend the side corners inward and fasten in each other. 5. Place the napkin vertically to make a “hat” with a folding collar, bend one of the upper peaks down.

  • Fan in the ring

1. Initial form - a napkin in a straightened form lies face down. 2. Fold the napkin "accordion" (2a). 3. Bend it in half in the middle. 4. Fill the napkin in the ring (or put it in a glass) and straighten the “fan”.

  • table fan

1. Initial form - the napkin is folded in half with the right side out (fold from above). Collect three-quarters of its length into an "accordion", bending the first fold down. 2. Fold the resulting figure in half so that the folds are on the outside on the left side, and not the folded part on the right. 3. Take the napkin in your hand so that the open ends of the folds look up. 4. Fold the unfolded part of the napkin diagonally to make a “stand”, as shown in the photo. After that, tuck the “stand” between the folds and place the napkin on the table.

  • Rybka

1. Initial form - the napkin is folded diagonally (fold at the top). 2. Bend the bottom corner up. 3. Bend the left protruding corner down. 4. Fold the right corner in the same way. 5. Bend the left side to the middle vertical line of the figure. Fold the right side in the same way. 6. Turn the figure over and decorate it with a small shell.

  • Shirt

1. Initial form - the napkin is folded diagonally. 2. Fold up a small strip of fabric at the base of the triangle and turn the napkin right side out. 3. Bend the right corner to the left down, the left corner to the right down. 4. Straighten the corners strictly symmetrically and fold the bottom edge back. "Shirt" can be decorated with a bow or candy.

Have a nice holiday!

Here are some popular patterns for folding a tissue napkin:

  • A megaphone is a very simple way to design a paper or fabric napkin. First of all, you need to fold the product in half and repeat this action again in the same direction, as shown in figure number 2. Bend the corners of the resulting narrow rectangle down and twist the figure in the form of a “bag”. At the end, connect the two parts of the "bags" to each other.
  • The Southern Cross is an interesting and very simple fabric napkin layout that will fit perfectly into the decor of a dining table. Turn the product on the wrong side and bend all the corners to the center, following the order. Then turn the canvas over and do the same. Repeat the action again and pull out first the upper right corner, and then all the other corners.

  • Dzhonka - an unusual form of serving napkin, which is sometimes called "swan". Fold the product in half so that the fold is on the right. Then fold the rectangle again and fold the bottom half diagonally up. Bend the left and right corners up, and remove the protruding parts down. Next, you need to roll the fabric along the longitudinal axis back, alternately pulling out its edges.

The festive table should be not only tasty, but also beautiful. Proper small dishes and cutlery, tablecloths - this is the key to the success of the hostess. The table can be decorated with original fruit slices, as well as ordinary paper napkins in the original design. In the rest of this article, we'll talk about how to fold paper napkins beautifully.

It should be noted that for formal celebrations it is better to choose a fabric, it looks larger and adds some charm to the atmosphere at the table. A family feast or a modest table among friends will be more appropriate with light-colored napkins and cheerful paper napkins, which will be on your table not only a hygiene product, but also an interesting decor.

Rules and schemes for folding paper napkins

When choosing the shape of future origami masterpieces, they should be based on the age range of the guests and the hero of the occasion for whom the celebration is being held.
You don't need to put them too deep. Still, the direct purpose of the napkin should be in the first place and they should turn around without difficulty. Paper napkins should be combined with the color of dishes and tablecloths.
Towels can be placed in a glass, in a napkin holder or placed on plates.
Practice in advance to quickly roll up all the napkins before the holiday itself, because besides this, serving, cooking and laying out dishes are required. In addition, the hostess needs to put herself in order before the guests arrive.

Folding napkins in different ways

Sometimes patterns from needlework books or from the Internet are very confusing and incomprehensible patterns for folding napkins. The sheer amount of signs and symbols is depressing and discourages any desire to try and fold paper towels and place them in a top notch tray. But do not despair, because there are several basic ways, the assimilation of which does not require the presence of a scheme. Just follow the execution plan exactly to fold beautiful paper napkins.

Folding napkins "Tube"

If you're planning to put napkins in a glass, you'll love a "pipe" pattern. To make neat paper tubes:

    • Unfold the napkin;
    • Fold the paper napkin diagonally into a triangle;
    • Rotate the triangle so that its top is at the top in the plane of the table you placed it on;
    • Now carefully screw the corner three fingers from the right corner;
    • As a result, you will get tubes with a flat base and a beveled end at the top;
    • The napkin tubes can be bent outwards and put the napkins into the glass.

      Folding napkins "Accordion"

When thinking about how to beautifully fold napkins into a napkin holder, pay attention to the following methods. You can arrange napkins like an accordion. Consider the "accordion" scheme:

  • Unfold the napkin completely;
  • Fold the paper into an accordion. The edge should remain about 2 cm;
  • Fold the accordion in half and insert into the napkin holder. To make it all look beautiful, there should be a lot of these accordions in the napkin holder, while they will hold each other and not lose their shape.

Folding napkins "Heart"

The easiest way to beautifully fold napkins is with a “heart”. To do this, simply fold the fabric until it's the right size.

To correctly and beautifully fold paper napkins in the shape of a heart:

  • Unfold the paper and fold the square in half.
  • Wrap one end of the napkin after the other and do the same with the second;
  • Turn the workpiece over and bend the corners a little;
  • All this can be ironed with an iron so that the seams are even and do not unfold;
  • It remains only to put this beauty on a plate and put it on the table.

Other napkin folding patterns

Scheme "Lily"

    • Fold the unfolded napkin into a triangle;
    • Fold the corners of the base of the triangle together with its upper part;
    • Fold the resulting quadrilateral on the horizontal axis. Again you get a triangle;
    • The right and left corners are connected to each other at the back of the figure. It turns out a volumetric composition;
    • Pull the top corners in different directions.
    • You can make one more move and make a "train" of Lily.
    • For this purpose, the rear side parts fold the top corner and turn the corners that were mentioned in the previous point. This design will effectively decorate the festive table.

Scheme "Cradle"

  • Fold the napkin in half twice;
  • Fold the upper corners of the quadrilateral symmetrically;
  • Turn the napkin over and fold it into a bag;
  • The cradle is ready.

Paper napkins according to the premium scheme "French envelope"

  • Fold the napkin twice. You should get a blank with an area 4 times smaller;
  • Bend three layers from the upper right corner;
  • Return the layers in place by folding back the corners;
  • Right and left sides, overlap each other;
  • Turn over again and insert the fork, knife and spoon into the formed pocket.

It's so easy and simple to create coziness from paper napkins. Following the recommendations, you can easily apply these schemes for the festive table. But if you add something from yourself to the main methods, then guests with fresh ideas and your imagination.

Five more simple and beautiful schemes for folding paper napkins for the festive table are shown in the next video.