Napkin folding is a type of creative folding that is done with the use of a napkin. It can be done or made as art, as a work, or as a hobby. It is popularly and widely known to be encountered as a table design or decoration in fancy restaurants. Usually, a clean, pressed, smooth, and starched square cloth napkin is used, which can either be linen or cotton, for best and perfect result. is an easy way to elevate your tabletop décor. Creative napkin folds serve two purposes: They have a significant impact on the overall design, atmosphere, and visual appeal of your event, and they provide you with an opportunity to bring additional, practical details into your place setting.
Napkin folding is an ancient art form dating back to civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks. Historically, it was a symbol of status and wealth for the host or hostess. Today, it has become a popular hobby and an important element of event planning, with napkin folding now achievable with a variety of napkin types. Here are the key evolution periods of the art of napkin folding.
Ancient Origins
Napkin folding can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where napkins were often made of expensive materials and used as a symbol of wealth and status.
Medieval Period
During the medieval period, elaborate napkin folding was common in European courts and was used to signify the importance of the occasion or the status of the host.
16th and 17th Centuries
In the 16th and 17th centuries, napkin folding became more intricate and decorative, with designs inspired by nature and animals.
18th and 19th Centuries
In the 18th and 19th centuries, napkin folding was considered an important aspect of etiquette and hospitality, with elaborate designs used to impress guests.
20th Century
In the 20th century, napkin folding became less formal, with simpler designs used for casual gatherings and more intricate designs reserved for formal occasions.
It is an easy way to elevate your tabletop décor. Creative napkin folds serve two purposes: They have a significant impact on the overall design, atmosphere, and visual appeal of your event, and they provide you with an opportunity to bring additional, practical details into your place setting.
Fold the napkin in half.
Fold the bottom edge of the halved napkin up about one inch and hold it in place.
Fold it back under the napkin in the opposite direction another inch. Continue this pattern until you are within four inches of the top of the napkin, and finish with the last fold down away from you rather than up.
Fold accordion pleats in half down the center with folds facing the outside. A four-inch flat portion of the napkin now sticks out from the center of your folds.
Fold the accordion in half with folds on the outside; four inch flat will protrude from the center.
Fold the unfolded corners diagonally and tuck them under the accordion folds then open the fan and stand it up
Fold the napkin in quarters with the four edges toward you.
Fold the edges up to form a triangle.
Fold the left and right points of the triangle to the center and then fold the extended points under.
Lift the center and hold the base – pull the four napkin edges out of the center to create the bloom.
Fold the napkin diagonally forming a triangle.
Fold the left and right-hand corners of the triangle to the top.
Turn the napkin over so that no folds are visible.
Fold up the bottom tip of the triangle and fold it in half.
Fold the right side over the left making a circle.
Tuck one end of the triangle into the other.
Place the Cardinal Hat in an upright position and flare out points slightly.
Fold the napkin in half diagonally forming a triangle.
Fold the left and right triangles to the top forming a square.
Turn the napkin to form a diamond. Fold the bottom point 2/3 of the way to the top point and fold the bottom point back again to the baseline.
Turn the napkin over and tuck the far corners into one another forming a round base.
Stand a napkin upright and flair out the two top corners to form a Crown.
Fold the napkin toward one end into quarters.
Fold the right and left edge under and towards you creating a triangle at the top of the napkin.
Roll the right and left edges up into the base edges of the triangle.
Turn the fold over standing the triangle point up with the open edge facing you.
Fold the napkin in half diagonally forming a triangle.
Fold one-quarter of the napkin’s base edges, forming a cuff.
Turn the napkin over. Carefully roll from left to right.
Tuck the remaining corner inside the cuff to hold the Candle firm.
Position the Candle with the highest point of the napkin facing you.
Fold a dinner napkin in half diagonally both ways, pressing to crease; press all folds as you go. Open the napkin, and then fold all four corners to the center, creating a square.
Flip the napkin over, and fold the corners to meet at the center.
With a finger pressing down on the center of the napkin, reach underneath and pull up the flap at each corner to create the lotus petals.
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REFERENCES
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