The holiday season is a time when we come together, which usually means sitting down to enjoy a meal. Whether your specialty is spending the day preparing old family recipes or placing an order with the caterer, you’ll want to present the meal on a table that reflects your unique style. Do that with a stylishly folded napkin at each place setting. We have a few suggestions we’re sure will garner compliments for your tablescape and set the stage for the delicious meal to come.

How Do I Choose a Napkin?

When we set our tables, we use our 100% cotton, jacquard-woven, restaurant-quality napkins in white, black, or a combination of the two (a particular favorite on New Year’s Eve). They can work well with your style, whether that’s formal or casual, as well as with most place settings. They’re also soft, absorbent, and easy to launder.

How Do I Fold a Napkin?

Be sure to remove the tags from your napkins so they won’t interfere with your folding. You’ll also want to iron your napkins before you begin. This will make it easier to make the necessary folds and ensure the focus is on the intended design and not the wrinkles.

1.     down etc’s Heart-Shaped Napkin

We love shapes and the heart is one of our favorites. You can see that in our hug it like you love it!® heart-shaped pillows. So, when it comes time to create a tablescape, hearts are where we begin. Luckily, our black and white napkins in the heart shape suit both formal and whimsical tables. They’re also perfect for any meal shared with loved ones.

Follow our video for the steps to create our heart-shaped napkins. Your guests will have no idea how simple they really were.

• Fold the napkin in half vertically to create a triangle
• Fold the right corner toward the middle
• Fold the left corner over all the way to the right side
• Fold the right side toward the middle
• Fold the left side to meet the right side in the middle
• Flip the folded napkin over
• Roll the napkin up from the flat bottom toward the pointed top just shy of the point
• Pick it up and uncurl the left and right sides
• Lay it down with the point at the bottom

Voila, you’ve shown your guests how you feel.

There are many ways to fold napkins into unique designs using just the napkin or by folding two napkins together. You can also incorporate ribbons, rings, or greenery, depending on the theme of your event. There really is no end. Here are a few of our other favorite folded napkins.

2.     Christmas Tree Folded Napkin

When you’re looking to fold your napkin for your holiday dinner, you might like our Christmas tree napkin.

• Fold the napkin in half and then half again (so it is ¼ of its original size)
• Turn it so the four open corners face you and then fold each corner up leaving about 1” above each corner, beginning with the top fold
• Flip it over
• Fold the right corner over to the left and the left corner over to the right.
• Fold the top down
• Flip over again
• Tuck the flaps under from the top down

Once you have the Christmas tree napkin folded, add something special for the star. Consider a star-shaped place card or a chocolate kiss in silver foil wrap.

3.     Rose Folded Napkin

In Spring, for brunch or Easter supper, a napkin rose is perfect. It’s sweet and super easy to do.

• Fold your napkin into a triangle
• Roll it up tightly from the wide end toward the small end.
• Take the rolled-up napkin and roll it in a circle like a snail’s shell to create a rose in your hand
• Place the rose in teacups or water glasses to complete your table

4.     Simple Folded Rectangle Napkin

You can never go wrong with a simple rectangularly folded napkin.

• Fold in half
• Fold in half again

There’s a reason it’s a classic. To add pizzazz, roll it up and place it in a napkin ring or tie it with a ribbon in the material and color of your choice. There are limitless options that are simple and beautiful.

Where Do I Place My Folded Napkins?

According to Emily Post Etiquette, the folded napkin is placed to the left of the plate with the fork resting on top. Other etiquette “experts,” disagree, arguing the napkin should go to the left of the fork and should never go in a water glass or a teacup. We don’t think you should let someone else’s rules of etiquette stifle your creativity. Place your uniquely folded napkin wherever it suits your tablescape, whether that’s in a teacup, on the plate, or sitting under the fork.

For something extra special, consider having your napkins monogrammed with your guests’ initials or first name. That way, your napkins can perform double duty as seating place cards.

You can’t go wrong adding a beautifully folded napkin to your table this holiday season.

-Team at down etc

Read more:

5 Ideas for Getting Cozy with Family and Friends this Holiday Season

Ways to Consider Charitable Giving for the Holidays

Take Care of Yourself and Keep Your Heart Healthy this Holiday Season