There are many schemes for how to beautifully fold paper napkins on a holiday table. A creative approach to decoration will help set the color scheme, the mood of the celebration, and also make accents. You don't need any special equipment or skills to fold regular napkins beautifully. Anyone can learn, since there are many interesting design schemes: from simple to complex.
Basic materials
The purpose of the napkin is more or less clear. Now let's look at the materials that are used to make them.
Napkins made of paper are used during meals. They are used to remove food debris from the lips. They are used to clean surfaces from food debris.
To produce fabric (cloth) napkins, cotton, linen, and artificial materials are used.
Lint-free ones are essentially the same as fabric ones that have undergone processing to remove lint from the surface.
In life there are napkins made from microfibers and asbestos
How to fold napkins for the New Year, ideas with photos
New Year is always a feeling of the beginning of something interesting and unusual. Therefore, such a holiday is always accompanied by a cheerful mood, expectation of a miracle, and new dreams. The main attribute of this holiday is the Christmas tree, without which it is simply difficult to imagine the holiday. Therefore, housewives should take note of the options for creating a New Year’s tree from napkins:
A little history
Any cafe or restaurant uses paper napkins in its activities. In ancient times, a napkin was a handkerchief used to remove food debris from the lips - fat, sauce, etc.
In general, the history of this subject goes back more than one millennium. It began in Ancient Greece. Fig leaves were used to remove food debris. It was with them that slaves rubbed their owner's mouth. They were laid out on the table, but sometimes guests brought them with them.
Nowadays, paper napkins have become something commonplace. We use them automatically. For everyday meals we use white napkins; for special occasions we try to use colored products. Napkins are required where cleanliness is required.
How to fold fabric napkins for serving, diagrams with explanations
Fabric napkins will add their own charm to the holiday table. Some not too complicated options include the following:
- Lotus flower. This flower is always associated with divinity and power, so decorating the table with lotus flowers is suitable for special occasions (weddings) and for less magnificent celebrations. Stages of creating a flower
- Crown. This decoration can be used to decorate a holiday for a man. Stages of work
- Heart. Setting the table with heart napkins is suitable for a holiday that is associated with the manifestation of feelings. Therefore, this decoration is suitable for a romantic dinner, wedding, birthday. Stages of creation
Application area
You need to understand that napkins have found their use not only at the table; depending on the source material and impregnation, they can be used in cleaning, wiping optical instruments when servicing machines and mechanisms.
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Napkins used for hygiene procedures are impregnated with deodorizing and disinfecting compounds.
Napkin folded with a candle, step-by-step diagram with photos
Folding a napkin into a candle requires a little effort. However, the resulting result will look beautiful, impressive and will help give the table an original, romantic mood. To create a romantic candle, you should use fabric napkins. How to make a napkin candle:
- Take a napkin and bend it diagonally to form a triangle.
- We begin to fold the triangle in the direction from the corner to the base.
- We roll this up until we reach the base of the triangle.
- We bend the left side of the resulting figure upward. This will be a candle light.
- Next, roll the napkin into a roll. The tip that remains at the end must be fixed.
- The result is a “burning candle” figure. The candle flame can be made larger or smaller as desired.
- The finished candle is placed on a plate. If you want to make the “flame” longer, you need to slightly pull the tail up.
Serving and napkins
We can safely say that setting a festive table is a separate science, the basics of which any housewife should know.
The formal decoration of the dining table is significantly different. Often, dishes with an attractive appearance are enough for festive decorations. But, undoubtedly, stylishly laid paper napkins will add festivity and solemnity. They always enliven the appearance of the table set on the occasion of a celebration.
To a person ignorant of the rules of table setting, it may seem that arranging napkins is a completely simple matter. But things are a little different. You can learn how to beautifully fold paper napkins on a table from specialized literature or online resources.
Let's conduct a master class on how to beautifully fold a paper napkin.
Napkins in a ring
Interesting options for decorating a festive table are obtained by using rings. Rings can be taken ready-made or made with your own hands.
Bow
- The napkin is laid flat with the wrong side down.
- Bend it in half at an angle so that the fold is on the left.
- The extreme corners are bent upward.
- From the fold side, roll the fabric into a roller.
- Bend the corner into a roller.
- Fold the roller in half, pinching it in the middle.
- Pull the fabric into the ring, then straighten it into a bow.
Victorian flower
- Leaving the fold at the top, the square fabric is folded in half.
- The upper right vertex is bent to the fold.
- The double corner is bent from bottom to top.
- The corners are folded on the other side in the same way.
- A diamond folded in several layers is obtained.
- The lower part is collected in the middle and placed in the ring.
- The upper corners can be straightened in any position.
To make rings with your own hands, cut hard cylinders from under foil or cling film. Lace, gold or silver film, and textured string are suitable for decoration.
For the New Year's feast, they think through various accessories for serving, complementing the napkins with spruce branches, miniature balls, serpentine, and bright ribbons.
There is no need to start with complex, difficult-to-implement schemes. The above are fairly simple options, and if you show creativity and imagination, the results will definitely please you. And don’t forget that you can decorate and set the table stylishly not only for a holiday, but also for everyday lunches and dinners!
Lotus - some variety
This variation is a modified fan described above, it looks like this:
The napkin stand is filled with products installed in one direction, then napkins are placed next to it in the other direction. The result is two layers of multi-directional napkins.
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The fan can be done in another way. First, half of the future fan is created in a napkin holder, after which napkins are placed in the other half in a mirror image. Napkins folded into a triangle are placed in the middle part of the ensemble, with one corner pointing upward.
The result will be a fan that opens from the center in both directions.
This ensemble will look good in a small napkin holder. This allows you to install it next to each guest.
Serving with cloth napkins
Today there are two types of napkins - paper and fabric. The latter are usually used to protect clothes from crumbs and stains, while paper products are intended to wipe lips. Modern trends are aimed at the widespread introduction of fabric models; they look more elegant and will last you much longer than their paper counterparts.
Here are some popular patterns for folding a fabric napkin:
- Megaphone is a very simple way to decorate 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 2. Bend the corners of the resulting narrow rectangle down and twist the figure into a “ball”. Finally, 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 the dining table. Turn the product to the wrong side and bend all the corners to the center, observing 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.
- A junk is an unusual form of serving napkin, which is also sometimes called a “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 upward. Bend the left and right corners up, and move the protruding parts down. Next, you need to roll the fabric back along the longitudinal axis, pulling out its edges one by one.
On video: 5 ways to beautifully fold fabric napkins.
Waterfall
This method of decoration is more suitable for a table decorated in the spirit of grunge, modern or hi-tech.
The brevity of the design is at the proper level. To create a cascade, you will need to fold the napkins in half along the length of one of the sides. The result is a rectangle.
Folded rectangles must be placed in a stack. The assembled pack is placed in a bowl. The short end should be facing down. The result will be a cascade falling onto the wall of the vessel being used.
If you don’t have specialized utensils at hand, it’s quite acceptable to use a shallow cup or glass. You can be sure that the created composition will make the right impression.
A napkin folded with a rose. step by step with photos
Serving a wedding banquet requires a creative approach, tremendous effort and extraordinary thinking. Therefore, you should approach table decoration with napkins with a creative approach.
At such a festive banquet, napkins lined with roses will look beautiful, original, and interesting. A flower that symbolizes love, innocence, and the celebration of life will perfectly complement the wedding table. Steps for folding a napkin like a rose:
- Take a square cloth napkin and fold it diagonally to form a triangle.
- Take the base of the triangle and begin to roll the napkin into a tube. However, it is necessary to leave an untwisted corner at the end.
- Now gradually, carefully twist the resulting tube into a roll.
- We tuck the tip of the rolled napkin into the middle.
- Carefully take the napkin by the loose, untwisted corners. Let's straighten these corners. To do this, easily stretch the edges in different directions.
- Turn the napkin over. We got a rose.
Tie and cutlery
It would seem, what do they have in common? But this is exactly what one of the methods of laying paper napkins is called. To style them in this way, it is advisable to use products with bright colors, for example, stripes or multi-colored polka dots.
The procedure for forming a tie looks like this:
- You need to unfold it, placing it with its back side facing up.
- Get the corners facing each other at an angle of 45 degrees
- Duplicate the operation.
- Bend the top at a right angle to the semi-finished product.
- Turn the “tie” over with the outer side up and place the device on it so that most of it is entirely placed outside the prepared semi-finished product.
- Use the resulting angle to wrap the handle of the device, this will create the illusion of a tie knot.
Spring mood in the design of napkins
Chamomiles are a great solution for decoration! Such a flower seems to refresh everything around. It looks very gentle, cute and casual in any design.
Candle
The dreamy atmosphere of special celebrations for the sake of loving people will be shown by “candles” made from napkins. This will simulate fire and create an atmosphere of warmth and sincerity in an evening intended only for two.
To obtain such a candle you will need:
- You need to unfold the napkin, and then fold it along the diagonal, slightly missing its edges.
- The base, located at the right angle, needs to be turned 50 - 100 mm and the resulting semi-finished product must be turned over so that it is facing the table.
- Carefully make a tight tube from the resulting workpiece, and tuck the remaining end into your pocket.
- Level the resulting “flame” and place on the prepared dish.
- Beautifully folded paper napkins on the table will undoubtedly impress a loved one.
Other design schemes
Having mastered simple patterns, you can begin to create more complex shapes. Thematic images will emphasize the importance of the event and delight the guests. Animal figures are a good choice for decorating a children's party, flowers are a good choice for a wedding celebration and a romantic evening. First you need to determine the color scheme of the napkins, and then start creating fancy shapes:
- Christmas tree. The corners of the napkin folded into a square begin to bend before reaching the previous layer. When the corners of all layers are bent, the workpiece is turned over. The right and left sides are folded towards the middle. Turn the workpiece over again and fold the corners, tucking them under the previous ones.
- Lotus. First, the stand is made. To do this you will need twelve green napkins. Fold the napkin into a triangle. Then the corners are folded towards the middle, from the top of the triangle to the bottom edge. The workpiece is turned over and the corners are bent. The workpiece is folded, hiding the corners. The first part is ready. By analogy, eleven more parts are made. Form the base by tightening the parts with thread. The second stage is making the petals. They make them the same way, only they change the color of the napkins to a brighter one. A total of ninety-six parts will be required. The last stage is assembling the flower. Using a spoon, tuck the corner of the pink petal into two green modules, holding them together. There will be eight layers in total. After assembly, the edges of the petals are straightened.
- Tulip. Fold a rectangle from a napkin. The edges are twisted to form a tube. Stepping back a few centimeters from the edge, roll the paper tightly, forming a stem. In the middle of the workpiece, a leaf is formed and the remaining tube is twisted.
- Heart. The napkin is folded into a triangle and a diamond is formed from it. The workpiece is turned over, the corner is bent down. The left corner of the bottom layer is folded diagonally to the left, the right corner to the right. Bend all corners inward and turn the workpiece over.
- Butterfly. There are several techniques for making a figure. The simplest one: straighten the napkin and place it face down. The sides are folded towards the middle, forming a rectangle. The corners of the workpiece are bent, the napkin is folded like an accordion and the middle is fixed. The wings of the figure are straightened.
- Bunnies. Option for celebrating Easter. The sides of the napkin are folded towards the middle, forming a rectangle. The corners are folded to the center line of the workpiece, turned over and the procedure is repeated. The workpiece is folded in half, lengthwise. The lower corner of the workpiece is bent. The workpiece is folded, the corners are hidden in pockets. Straighten the bunny's ears.
On a note!
If flowers are chosen for table decoration, then you need to choose different shades of napkins for execution. A monochromatic color scheme is also acceptable, but it will be more pleasant for guests to see “their” color. In this way, you will emphasize the individuality and importance of each guest.
Folding paper napkins is a type of origami. You can find many interesting patterns that will help you decorate your holiday table. Unusual figures, luxurious flowers, elegant envelopes - there are many options. Decorating with napkins allows you to emphasize the style and theme of the celebration.
Sun
Another widely used styling scheme is called the Sun. To implement it, you will need to lay out the napkin and form a pair of folds, each no more than 2 cm long, they should be located along the central axis. You need to fix the force with an iron.
After forming the central fold, you need to fold the accordion. Its step should be in the range of 1.5 - 2 cm.
Clamp the center with a thread, fold the free parts into a circle and secure them with paper clips. Finally, you will need to align the rays and carefully place the finished composition on a plate.
Napkin folded in a herringbone pattern, step by step with photo
Serving each individual event requires the selection of specific compositions that will ideally suit the theme of the holiday. Therefore, many people associate napkin art, which is associated with decorating the New Year's holiday, with a Christmas tree. You can find several options for folding napkins in a herringbone pattern. The simplest but most effective versions of such compositions can be made by following this algorithm:
- Choose square napkins 35x35 or 40x40 cm. Fold the napkin in half, then fold it in half again. A napkin should come out folded in four.
- We bend each layer of the napkin upward from the free edge to form several triangles.
- Now carefully turn the napkin over and bend it along its sides to form a slightly elongated diamond shape.
- Again, turn the product over to the front side. Fold the first corner of the figure up. We bend each subsequent corner upward and hide the corner itself in the middle, under the top layer of the napkin. You should learn how to imitate Christmas tree branches.
- We decorate the resulting figurine with a bow on top. It turns out Christmas tree figurines with a bow at the top.
How to choose?
When preparing for a feast, you have to face many tasks and difficulties, one of them is choosing suitable napkins. What should be guided by this choice, the main thing is that the table decorated with this material looks attractive and aesthetically pleasing.
To do this, you can follow a few simple rules.
To begin with, it makes sense to choose the color palette of the formal table. If you are planning a matinee for children, then most likely there will be cake, fruit, and juice on the table. In this case, bright colors are quite appropriate.
If the feast is dedicated to a loved one, then the use of delicate romantic flowers is acceptable.
You can add that beautifully folded paper napkins in a napkin holder will make a positive impression on guests.
When choosing napkins, one should not forget about their purpose. You should not use too sophisticated combinations. Nothing should prevent them from being used for their intended purpose. In particular, they should unfold without much effort. This will ensure guests' comfort and avoid sensitive situations.
When choosing, you need to remember that there are products made from multilayer material. It must be said that they are best suited for making decorations used at the table.
In addition, the hospitable host must understand that making table decorations requires the use of certain skills, and before you beautifully fold paper napkins on the holiday table, you should first practice on a simpler material.
Selection of materials
When choosing paper napkins, you need to consider their color. Bright, rich colors are suitable for a fun holiday, children's birthday. White napkins and a white tablecloth on the table will emphasize the atmosphere of special solemnity. When choosing fabric napkins, it is better to take those with a dense texture: linen, cotton, viscose. They hold their shape better, do not wrinkle and look solid.
It is better to start mastering the art of folding with simple patterns. Having studied them, you can take on more complex ones. On the eve of the holiday, you need to add up the selected figures. In this case, you won’t have to do it in a hurry before the guests arrive. You just need to take out the finished products and lay them out beautifully on the table.
Normative base
Despite the apparent simplicity of paper napkins and their widespread distribution, there is GOST R 52354-2005, which defines the technical requirements for such products.
All manufacturers of these products must be guided by the standards of this document and the technical documentation developed for a specific product.
By the way, all imported products must comply with domestic standards and regulations.
Napkins are made in rolls or sheets. Products in the form of sheets can have different shapes - rectangular, oval, with smooth or jagged or wavy edges.
Napkins can be made multi- or single-layer, with or without perforation.
By the way, multi-layer napkins are best suited for making tabletop compositions.
The surface of the napkin can be smooth or embossed. Products can be impregnated with various compounds, for example antiseptic.
Napkins are made only from materials approved for use within the country.
Products must not have mechanical damage, holes or other defects.
Photos of beautiful napkins can be seen on websites dedicated to table setting.
Beautiful figures from napkins for serving
For many, placing serving napkins in the center of the plate is classic. This technique is widely used to decorate banquet and buffet tables. Skilled craftswomen can create a real work of art with a simple napkin. It's not as difficult as it might seem; you just need a little patience and a desire to experiment. Flowers made from napkins are always in place, and making them is not difficult. You can use the famous origami technology by simply replacing paper with fabric.
Lily
To make a lily, fold the product diagonally and carefully smooth out all the corners. Connect the right and left corners with the top of the triangle, then bend the napkin in half horizontally. Finally, decorate the petals and leaves by turning the top triangle out.
Lotus
The lotus can rightfully be considered the most difficult napkin figure to make. On the website https://sdelala-sama.ru/2658-lotos-iz-bumazhnyh-salfetok.html you can find detailed instructions on how to make a lotus from paper napkins with your own hands, as well as educational video materials. If you wish, you can exchange comments with other visitors and learn unusual ways to decorate the table. Below is a diagram for folding multi-colored napkins into a lotus inflorescence.
Herringbone
To make a Christmas tree for table setting, take a deep green napkin. Roll it into a square, then divide all five corners into five layers and alternately bend them towards the middle. Turn the figure over to the opposite side and fold all ends of the napkin symmetrically, one under the other. This decoration will look natural during the Christmas holidays.
The finished product can be supplemented with a bright star, sparkles, snowflakes or multi-colored ribbons.
Handbag
This is the simplest design option for a fabric serving napkin. The initial form is a napkin folded vertically with a fold on the right. Now fold it in half from bottom to top and fold the top two layers of the left corner towards the center. The upper right corner also folds towards the center. Bend the resulting triangle down and fold the remaining corners towards the middle. The second triangle is thereby superimposed on the first. Use the instructions in the picture below.
heart
For Valentine's Day, decorate the table with heart-shaped napkins. Making them is not difficult at all - for this you will need red or pink paper napkins. Form a triangle, place the left and then the right corner on the top and turn the shape over. Bend the top part down, turn part of the bottom layer left and right diagonally. Next, you need to alternately remove the small corners on the right and left inside, giving the napkin a heart shape.
Fan in a ring
This option is most suitable for the classic style of table setting. Flatten the napkin and place it face down. Next, you need to give it an “accordion” shape - to do this, bend the product in half in the middle. That's all, the fan is ready. Now you can decorate the table with it by placing it on a special holder or placing it in a glass. And don't forget to straighten the fan after placing it in the right place.
If you are planning to decorate the living room for a children's party or a romantic dinner, then you can make a “firebird” based on a fan. However, for this you will need multi-colored napkins with bright patterns.
Horizontal sachet
Fold the napkin in half with the right side facing inward. When unfolding the canvas, make sure that the fold is located at the bottom. Bend one third of the top layer down and turn the product over to the opposite side. Fold the two sides so that they meet together and fold the napkin again.
Diagonal sachet
To make a diagonal sachet, fold the napkin in four and fold back the first layer of fabric by 5 centimeters, repeat the action. Do the same with the second layer, tucking the corner under the diagonal roller and forming a small roller (up to 2.5 centimeters). Fold the fabric over the top and bottom and decorate the table with it as you wish.
Envelope for devices
For the envelope, you will need a small three-ply serving napkin. Fold the product in half with the wrong side out, so that the fold is located at the bottom. Fold back a third of the first layer and fold the side edges towards the center (they should touch each other at the back), repeat the operation again.
The use of napkins for table setting will not surprise anyone for a long time, because everyone can buy beautiful textiles in the store. If you are just planning to throw a festive dinner for several dozen guests or just want to surprise your family, then you have time to learn how to make interesting shapes and flowers from napkins. Don’t stop at one design option and then you will certainly end up with an unusual composition.
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Rules of good manners
The use of napkins is subject to good manners. In principle, compliance with them will not be difficult.
This is how they wipe the utensils with napkins; if in a catering environment this is acceptable, then at a party such a gesture can be considered an insult to the hostess of the house, expressing doubt about the cleanliness of the equipment.
It is unacceptable to use a napkin to wipe your face. It is needed to wet your lips and nothing more.
At the end of lunch, the napkin is placed on the right, next to the cutlery. If you want to throw away the used napkin, you will have to bother the hostess of the feast with this issue.
Napkins folded with a lily, step by step with photos
You can make a French lily from napkins by following the following sequence of actions:
- Take a large napkin. We place it with the wrong side facing us.
- Now fold the napkin to form a triangle. Bend the product diagonally.
- After this, you need to bend the corners into the middle of the napkin. However, we leave a small gap in the middle, which will then be used to form the flower itself.
- Now fold the product so as to raise the bottom edge. We bend it into the middle of the napkin so that the corner is higher than the middle.
- Now we divide the corner that we raised into halves. Fold the half down.
- Turn the napkin over to the other side. We carefully assemble the product and fasten it into a circle. At the same time, we bend the edges into special pockets.
- Turn the napkin over. Gently straighten the edges by slightly pulling the corners. We turn away the corners and get a flower.
- Place the finished flower on a plate.
