14 Easy Yet Chic Christmas Napkin Folding Ideas We Love This Holiday Season

No need to be an origami expert to master these

You’ve compiled your guest list, decided on a menu, and now comes the fun part: setting your Christmas table. If you want to be the ultimate host this year, we’ve got just the thing to elevate your holiday tablescape.

Whether you’re throwing a casual Christmas party with friends, having dinner with your in-laws, or celebrating with kids, these Christmas napkin folding ideas are sure to leave a lasting impression.

The Timeless Bow

Is it even Christmas if there are no bows in sight? Surely not. Here, Instagram user @rhodeoakhome dressed up her dinner plates with neutral plaid napkins that she shaped into bows and secured with reindeer napkin rings.

Note that your napkins don’t have to be red for them to look festive—any regular napkin will do!

Get the tutorial here.

Fancy Napkin Twirl

This napkin hack—which ironically doesn’t require any folding—makes Christmas dinners at home feel like a 5-star restaurant experience.

Yet, it only takes seconds to make. You’ll need fabric napkins (ideally linen or cotton so the shape holds) and a fork to create the twirl. Then, top it off with fancy flatware and your choice of knick-knacks.

Bonus points if the knick-knacks smell Christmassy, like dried oranges, rosemary sprigs, and cinnamon sticks.

Get the tutorial here.

French Pleat Fold

Want to make your guests feel extra welcome this holiday? Create an elegant pocket for their spoon, fork, and knife.

1. Lay your napkin out on the table. Fold in half from left to right. Fold it in half again, this time from bottom to top to create a square. At this point, there should be four open corners at the top right side.

2. One by one, fold each layer to the opposite side (the bottom left corner) until you reach the fourth layer.

3. Grab the third layer (which should now be at the very top) and set it back on the fourth layer. Fold its open corner to make a small triangle. Then, grab the second layer and fold it to make a bigger triangle. Tuck it into the first layer to secure the fold in place. Grab the first and final layer and fold to make the last triangle.

4. Turn over the napkin. Fold the left side into one-third and fold the right side over it.

5. Flip the napkin around and decorate with ribbons like @thepennrenovation did here or include name cards to make your guests feel special.

Diamond Pouch

Here’s an even easier way to hold your cutlery in style.

1. Start with a crisp, square napkin. Fold diagonally to form a triangle.

2. Bring the longest side of the triangle to the center.

3. Grab the right edge and fold it one-third of the way. Then, fold the left edge over it.

4. Secure with a ribbon.

Accordion Fold With a Natural Twist

Take a cue from @isysinteriors’s holiday table and go natural with your napkin rings. Think rosemary, cedar, pinecone, and red berry napkin rings—which are all perfect for adding a touch of nature to your winter meals. As for the fold:

1. Begin with a square napkin in a diamond orientation.

2. Make a ½-inch fold along the left side. Flip the napkin over and make another fold. Continue the accordion fold until you reach the right edge.

3. Gently slide the napkin ring towards the center of the napkin.

Gift Napkin Fold

Give this napkin folding idea a go if you’re hosting a family-friendly celebration this December. It’s easy, fun, and will make both kiddos and grown-ups beam!

Get the tutorial here.

The Effortlessly Put-Together Fold

Whether you’re short on time, doubt your napkin folding skills, or already have a lot going on on your tablescape, this napkin technique is for you.

1. Lay your napkin flat.

2. Fold in half from left to right.

3. Finish by cinching the middle of the napkin with a napkin ring or ribbon.

Wintery Bouquet

Want to wow your guests with something a little different? Try your hand at this bouquet fold—it’s cute, unique, and a great conversation starter.

To recreate this fold by IvyAndPoms, you’ll need cloth napkins, some winter foliage (either real or faux will work), and cute napkin ties.

Get the tutorial here.

The Triangle Fold

When in doubt, a simple and classy triangle fold may be your best bet. Feel free to use embroidered serviettes and a complementary ribbon to zhuzh it up.

1. Lay your napkin flat with its good side facing upwards.

2. Pinch the middle of the napkin and lift it up.

3. Orient the napkin properly if it’s embroidered.

4. Adjust the folds by tucking the left and right sides behind.

5. Tie a piece of ribbon around the napkin and create a bow.

The Statement Ring

From pom poms to mini wreaths to napkin rings that look like actual rings, the choices are endless. Here, @thecreacionesbm chose a gold napkin ring, which serves as the perfect finishing touch to the gold-themed table setup.

1. Lay your napkin face up. Fold it in half if you’re working with large dinner napkins.

2. Pinch the middle section up and slide the napkin ring down to about one-third of the way.

DIY Christmas Crackers

Nothing says Christmas dinner like popping crackers and laughing at silly jokes. Instead of buying the dollar store version this year, impress your guests by making your own.

Plus, you can personalize them with fun gifts like delicious treats, jewelry, mini liquor bottles (for the adults, of course), and after-dinner games.

Get the tutorial here.

Christmas Tree Fold

Take your Christmas table presentation to the next festive level with mini tree napkins.

We love how @davenportfarmhouse_ used plaid napkins—see how they offer so much more personality compared to solid colors?

Get the tutorial here.

The Casual Knot

Equally suitable for summer picnics as it is for Christmas festivities, this knot fold never fails to add a nice, decorative touch to any place setting.

1. Lay your napkin facedown in a diamond orientation.

2. Fold the top and bottom corners to meet in the center. It should look like two triangles facing each other.

3. Fold them again to meet in the center. Then, fold one last time so it becomes one long strip.

4. Tie the long strip into a knot and tighten or loosen it to your liking.

The Poshest Bow Tie

Here’s another bow folding trick because bows are always a good idea during Christmastime—even when you’re hosting a formal dinner.

For a look that’s equal parts playful and sophisticated, you can’t go wrong with shimmery tablecloths, such as velvet or silk.

Get the tutorial here.

Read Next: 40 Pretty Christmas Tablescape Ideas for Festive Holiday Entertaining

Read the original article on The Spruce.