How to Fold Dinner Napkins: A Comprehensive Guide

A beautifully folded dinner napkin can add an extra special touch to any dinner table. The best part is, you don’t need anything fancy to get started. All you’ll need is a few dinner napkins and step-by-step instructions to walk you through the process.

Whether you’ve got some beautiful napkin rings you want to use or you’re preparing for a special dinner party, you’ll find the perfect napkin folding method here.

Ready to learn how to fold dinner napkins like a pro? Let’s get started!

How to fold dinner napkins with rings

While you definitely don’t need napkin rings to set a table, if you have some, it can really dress things up. This is especially good for seasonal table settings and special occasions.  

There are several easy ways to fold napkins using a napkin ring. Here are a few you may want to experiment with.

1. The classic roll

It doesn’t get much easier than this. Start by folding your napkin in half, then again in quarters. Once you’ve made sure all the edges are lined up, simply roll the napkin up and put it inside the napkin ring.

2. Simple napkin ring

Another easy option that also looks beautiful is to start with your napkin opened up so it’s in a diamond shape. Place your napkin ring in the center of the napkin, pull it thorough, and then adjust it until you like the way it looks.

3. Triangle fold

Want to do something a bit fancier? The triangle fold is an upscale version of the simple napkin ring. Start by folding your napkin in half so it’s shaped like a triangle, with the pointed end down.

Fold both the left and right points down to meet the center, making a small diamond shape. Then, slide the point of the napkin through the ring and adjust it so each one looks similar.  

4. Layered fold

You can give your dinner table an even more exciting look by using two dinner napkins in complementary colors. To do this, you’ll follow the simple method above, but use two napkins instead.

Start by laying one napkin out so its square and placing the second one on top at a 45-degree angle (so it looks like a diamond). Place your napkin ring in the center, pull both napkins through, and adjust them as needed.

How to fold dinner napkins with silverware

Do you want to present your napkins and silverware together? This can make it easier to set your table. In addition, if you’re feeding a large group of people who are seating themselves, rolling or folding silverware inside the napkins is a more convenient and sanitary way to distribute it.

Take a look at these three popular napkin folding methods.

1. Silverware wrap

To wrap your silverware inside a cloth napkin, start by laying it out so it’s in the shape of a diamond and lay your silverware in the center. Fold the bottom corner over the bottom on your silverware.

Next, fold over the left side over and fold the right side over, tucking the edge under. Finally, use a decorative ribbon or some twine to securely tie the wrap together.

2. Angled pocket fold

To create this fold, you’ll want to start with a square dinner napkin. Begin by folding it in half, then in quarters. Next, fold the top layer of the open corner to meet the opposite corner.

Next, turn the napkin over and fold it into thirds. Then turn it back over. Finally, tuck your silverware into the pocket you’ve created. You can also set a place card on top if you have one.

3. Silverware roll

The classic silverware roll is often used in restaurants. If you’re hosting a BBQ or a casual buffet-style dinner, you can also do this with a paper napkin instead of a cloth one.

Start by laying your napkin out flat so it’s in the shape of a diamond. Place the knife in the center of the napkin with the tip sticking out about half an inch over the point of the napkin. Set the fork and spoon on top of the knife so they are stacked and all the handles are even with each other.

Fold the bottom corner over the bottom ends of the silverware and fold the far corner over. Then, just roll the napkin up so the silverware is almost fully covered by the napkin.

How to fold dinner napkins for dinner parties

If you’re planning a more formal dinner party, you may want to experiment with some fancy napkin folds. The following folds will make a great impression. Once you learn how to fold dinner napkins using these methods, you’ll love just how easy it is!

1. Fan fold

The fan fold is one of the most popular dinner napkin folds. It looks elegant on any table and is fairly easy once you get the hang of it.

To create this fold, you’ll need a large square napkin. Start by folding it in half so it’s in the shape of a rectangle. Then, fold one-inch accordion pleats, starting at the short end and stopping about four inches from the opposite end. The last pleat should be at the bottom edge, with all of the other pleats under it.

Next, fold your napkin in half, putting the pleats on top. Grab ahold of the upper left corner and tuck it behind the center pleat, so it’s in the shape of a triangle. Finally, release the pleats so the napkin fans out. Youou may need to  adjust the back triangleso your fan stand upright.

2. Bow tie fold

To make a napkin that looks like a bow tie, spread the napkin out flat, then fold the opposite sides in so they meet the center. Fold it at the center horizontally again, then fold the short ends so they meet in the center. Finally, cinch the napkin together in the middle with a ribbon so it looks like a bow tie. 

Let Instacart help with your next dinner party

Now that you know how to fold dinner napkins in so many different ways, you might be anxious to show off your new skills. Next time you’re planning a dinner party, let the expert shoppers at Instacart give you a hand!

All you need to do is create your shopping list, and we’ll take care of the rest.

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