How to Fold Cloth Napkins for Napkin Rings - 5 Detailed Methods
Folding a napkin in a stylish way already significantly elevates your table setting. However, adding a ring to the folded napkin truly takes it to another level. Sure, this little ring also has a practical role, preventing the napkin from unfolding. But it’s the aesthetic appeal that makes it a must-have table accessory.
You can get napkin rings that complement the table’s theme or purposefully choose striking designs to stand out – the choice is yours. But whatever you choose, you’ll need to fold your napkin properly first so that the ring can serve its function.
Keep reading to learn how to fold napkins for napkin rings in five different ways.
How to Fold Napkins for Napkin Rings: 5 Best Methods
Follow these five detailed step-by-step guides, and you’ll learn how to fold napkins for napkin rings like a pro.
Method 1 - The Roll
If you want to make the napkin ring the star of the show, you’ll need a simple fold to show the accessory off. This simple fold does just that.
- Place a square cloth napkin on a flat surface with the wrong side facing you.
- Fold the top and bottom inward so that their edges touch. You should be left with a rectangle.
- Fold the top-left corner toward the rectangle’s bottom edge to form a triangle.
- Grab the newly formed triangle and fold it from left to right to create a square.
- Turn the napkin over.
- Roll the top and bottom sides toward the center to make a tube.
- Flip the napkin back to leave the rolled edges underneath.
- Slip the napkin ring of your choice over the fold.
Method 2 - The Bow Tie
Though relatively simple to make, The Bow Tie fold will add much character to your table décor. We suggest using an open napkin ring for this fold since it might be tricky to insert a closed one without messing up your napkin bow tie.
After finding the right napkin ring, follow these steps:
- Place a square cloth napkin on a flat surface with the wrong side up.
- Pull the top and bottom inward to transform your napkin into a rectangle.
- Fold the right and the left sides toward each other to make a square again.
- Flip the napkin so that the right side is facing you.
- Scrunch the top and bottom center toward each other to form a bow.
- Add your napkin ring to the center.
Method 3 - The Fleur-de-Lis
The Fleur-de-Lis is one of the most elegant and visually appealing folds. Adding a napkin ring to it only makes it more stunning. Here’s how to pull off this gorgeous fold:
- Place a square cloth napkin flatly with the wrong side facing you.
- Pull the top downward and connect it to the bottom edge to form a rectangle.
- Fold the top-right corner downward to create a triangle.
- Repeat Step 3 on the left side.
- Grab the bottom-right corner and pull it upward to form another triangle.
- Do the same on the right. You should be left with a diamond shape.
- Optionally, iron the diamond napkin to sharpen the creases. This will create a crisper end result.
- Grab the top loose points of your diamond and fold them slightly, keeping them parallel to the bottom sides.
- Use the iron again to ensure the sides remain flat.
- Pull the bottom through a napkin ring until you reach the bases of your “petals.”
Method 4 - The Flower
Are you looking for a simple fold that requires minimal effort yet looks effective? If so, The Flower is the way to go. The napkin ring is what transforms this simple fold into a “proper” bouquet of flowers.
- Place a square cloth napkin on a flat surface in a diamond shape. Keep the wrong side up.
- Pull the bottom corner toward the top one, but don’t connect them. Instead, leave the bottom corner slightly askew to the left.
- Grab the bottom center of the fold and pull it through your napkin ring.
- Place your “flower” atop a plate and fluff up its top edges.
Method 5 - The Casual Ring Stuffer
This is arguably the easiest napkin fold you can do with a napkin ring. Even the word “fold” is used loosely, as there’s virtually no folding involved. The end result somewhat resembles a reverse Flower fold but looks more effortless, making it ideal for a more laid-back, casual setting.
- Place a square cloth napkin on a flat surface, keeping the right side up.
- Pinch the napkin’s center gently.
- Pull the center up.
- While holding onto the center, pull it through your napkin ring. The ring should be roughly halfway down the napkin.
- Fluff up the top and the bottom.
- Place the fluffed-up napkin on or next to a plate with the thinner side facing upward.
How to Further Elevate Your Table Setting
After learning how to fold napkins for napkin rings and seeing the stunning results, you’ll want to buy tons of napkin rings.
These handy accessories come in various colors, designs, textures, and shapes, allowing you to personalize your table décor to match virtually any occasion. You can even get engraved napkin rings with your guest’s name, a special message, or a pair of initials. But what about the napkins?
Luckily, you can play with napkins too. You just need to order custom napkins from Custom Napkins Now. Then, you’ll be able to choose every aspect of your napkin, from the color and the material to the design.
