25 Napkin Folding Ideas That Are Easier Than You Think

More a roll than a fold, this napkin technique is great for beginners. Simply roll a napkin, place a cookie cutter around the center and you’re all set. Feel free to use different shapes throughout the table or stick to a specific one depending on the holiday. Your guests will love this subtle touch.

SHOP COOKIE CUTTERS

Simple yet sophisticated, these bow tie napkins suit any occasion. Fold a napkin accordion-style and pinch in the center. It’s as easy as that! For a holiday look, use red or green napkins. You can go pink for Valentine’s Day, pastels for Easter or orange and black for Halloween.

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Gather tassels and feathers for this elegant napkin design. Simply fold a napkin into a rectangle shape and carefully pinch the center. Tie a gold tassel around to hold it in place. In the center, there should be a shallow pouch. Stick a feather or pom-pom in for a stylish touch.

Possibly the cutest napkin fold ever, these bunny years require a bit of rolling and folding. Using an all-white napkin to mimic the look of a rabbit, roll the napkin and then fold it in the middle so that there are two ears of equal length. Tie the middle using burlap string or raffia ribbon with a wooden bead for the nose.

SHOP RAFFIA RIBBON

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Fold a cloth napkin into the shape of a Christmas tree, then top it with miniature ball ornaments. Get creative with colors or stick with a green napkin to keep it realistic. Hint: Use a fringe napkin for added texture and try to lay the pieces of fringe in spots where it resembles pine sprigs.

SHOP FRINGE NAPKINS

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Go for a timeless look with a simple bow knot napkin, versatile enough for any occasion. Once you learn this easy technique, you can use it time and time again — just swap the napkins to pair with the current season or holiday.

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This clever star shape adds elegance to any occasion, no matter what color scheme you choose. Go bright with a festive red or green, or keep it calm with a pastel pink or warm orange. Start with a standard 20″ cloth napkin, fold it in half and then press it with an iron to create a crease. Continue folding and pressing until you’ve created a trapezoid shape. Tip: Use paper clips to keep the sides together as you go.

SHOP 20″ NAPKINS

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Adults and children will love this exciting napkin folded to look like a candy popper. You could fit flatware inside, but for a fun surprise, sneak in a piece of candy, block of chocolate or breath mint.

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For your best Thanksgiving table yet, pull out this trick from Jenny W. Chan — the brains behind the YouTube channel Origami Tree. Note: You’ll need two cloth napkins to make a bird for each place setting — but they’ll both come in handy when it’s time to spoon on the gravy!

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Another take on a bunny-themed napkin fold, this vibrant design will add a bit of color to your Easter brunch or dinner. Follow these steps to recreate:

1. Fold a cloth napkin in half to make a triangle, then roll it into a long strip and fold it in half again.
2. Thread a 6″ pipe cleaner through a bead and secure it around the napkin.
3. Insert three 3″ pipe cleaners through the beads to resemble whiskers.

RELATED: DIY Easter Decoration Ideas to Bring Spring Into Your Home

Whether you go with a green, red or blue napkin, you can recreate this funny elf hat napkin in less than one minute. Start by folding your napkin in half, then roll it. Fold up the bottom to form the brim of the hat, and you’re finished!

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Turn an average paper napkin (we suggest a shade of red or orange) into beautiful fall foliage. Start by folding your napkin in half, then accordion fold the entire thing. Connect the two longest points while pinching the connected center together, and you’ll soon reveal the leaf shape.

SHOP PAPER NAPKINS

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Here’s a playful idea for your Easter day table. Start by laying the napkin upside down, with one point toward you. After a series of folds and flips, adjust the ears to your liking.

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Impress your guests by recreating this Japanese wrapping technique. Rotate a cloth napkin diagonally, and place a small rectangular gift in the center. Fold the top and bottom corners snuggly around the gift. Gather the excess fabric and tie two knots. Dress up the present with a sprig of greenery, candy cane or personalized card.

SHOP CLOTH NAPKINS

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