I recently checked out a book from the library called, The Simple Art of Napkin Folding, by Linda Hetzer. Let me tell you; I have been having so much fun playing around with my napkins! The funny thing is, if the kids were playing with the napkins they would probably get scolded for it, but when Mommy does it, it is now called being creative and constructive. There are so many double standards in the world. 
I actually caught onto the idea of folding our cloth napkins from one of my daughters. She has checked this book out before and had a really good time folding the napkins into different styles for our meals. It was a nice added touch and brought a bit of elegance to our simple meals.
I thought I would share a few of the more simple folds with you and see if I can get you addicted to folding your napkins all “fancy” like for your meals too.
This fold is called the Buffet Server II. I think several of these napkins would be really cute set up on a buffet table. It makes a nice little bundle that is easy to pick up for your guests. I could even picture this with a paper napkin and plastic cutlery. I think this would work well for a casual meal as well by placing the folded napkin on the middle of the plate.
First you will want to start with your napkin open:
Next you will fold your napkin in quarters, placing the free (or loose) points at the upper left:
Now fold the upper left corner of the top layer down to the lower right corner:
Fold under the top right and bottom left corners:
Ta dah! We did it. Now all we need is something to tuck into the little pocket we made. I thought it would be cute to put a little place card, flower or maybe even a sucker (for after dinner, of course) into the pocket. You could really change it up for whatever the occasion.
Stay tuned: next time I hope to show you the Fan fold.
How about you? Do you have a favorite way to fold your napkins? Or any other simple way to “jazzy” up your meals? I would love to hear about them!
Michaela would LOVE this! She’s the artistic one, especially when it comes to setting the table! She has taken so much initiative in rolling the napkin around the silverware or folding them nicely. I need to look into purchasing some cloth napkins!!
Jess-I have found my napkins at a garage sale and the Goodwill at a very inexpensive price(for brand new even). I am not sure if you are handy with the sewing machine, but I have looked up making your own before and it doesn’t look too difficult.
I’ve thought of sewing my own. I’m still learning on the sewing machine… but I’m sure napkins aren’t hard. It’s just getting to the store and purchasing the material…. and then actually DOING the project!
I’ll keep my eye out at Good Will, etc. Thanks for the suggestion.