Every Fold Has A Story
In an age of frequent casual dining, the forgotten art of napkin folding has a new army of fans. These intricate fabric sculptures – once hallmarks of aristocratic tables – now grace modern gatherings with theatrical flair, asking the question, “Am I the drama?”. A simple starched linen square holds the promise of transformation into a witty conversation piece, beckoning us to embrace life’s overlooked rituals and to tailor one’s tabletop with flair and confidence.
THE CANDLE
A classic fold inspired by European fine dining traditions and designed to create a tall, elegant presence on any table, evoking the warm glow of candlelight at a formal dinner.
Folding instructions:
Begin with a square napkin laid flat on a surface.
Fold the napkin in half to form a rectangle.
Starting from one short end, fold in accordion pleats about 3 cm wide until you reach the end.
Fold the pleated napkin in half.
Stand the folded napkin upright, gently spreading the top to create the “flame” of the candle.
THE JAN
The signature JAN napkin fold as seen in tables in Nice, the Kalahari, and beyond. The perfect JAN napkin looks like a beautifully thick cloud on the table. For an added twist, hide a welcoming drink underneath or leave a few canapés on the cloud.
Folding instructions:
Begin with a lightly starched square napkin laid flat on a surface, ironed with no creases.
Check the stitching to confirm that the bottom of the stitching is facing down, then place your non-dominant hand palm facing up, lifted over the spot where the napkin will go.
Lower your hand until the napkin is slightly draped on the table and tuck the sides inward making sure that it curls in and leaves no visible stitching on the outside.
Once napkin is standing by itself, work the curves slightly to make sure that it’s not square and that the shape is not too uniform – each napkin must be unique.
THE FAN
We have Victorian society gatherings and social fripperies to thank for The Fan – a shape that speaks to old-world opulence while embracing true timelessness on any table.
Folding instructions:
Start with the napkin face down and fully open.
Fold the napkin accordion-style in 3 cm pleats from one side to the other.
Fold the pleated strip in half.
Pinch the folded end tightly while spreading the opposite end into a semi-circle.
Stand the pinched end on the table and arrange the fan portion evenly.
THE WAVES
Reminiscent of ocean waves lapping at the shore, this undulating fold brings natural movement to the table. Perfect for seaside themes and especially when serving seafood.
Folding instructions:
Lay the napkin flat in a square position.
Fold the bottom edge up about 2 inches, then continue folding in a zigzag pattern all the way up.
Gently press down on the folds to secure them.
Carefully stand the napkin on its edge.
Pull the top corners slightly outward to create a wavy effect along the top edge.
Arrange the waves to your desired fullness.
THE AUTUMN LEAF
If you want to bring the magic of autumn into your home without scattering fallen leaves on your table, then this will do the trick. Tempered by many folds on the ironing board, the autumn leaf requires patience, precision, and the willingness to start again.
Folding instructions:
Fold the napkin in half.
Starting at the bottom, pleat the whole napkin along the short side.
Fold the top corner of the pleated napkin to touch the side to make a folding line (you may need to iron this folding line in place).
Open your napkin in a fan and fold in every alternate crease to form the leaf shape.
THE OYSTER
The illusion of an oyster with its treasured pearl nestled inside awaits diners as they take their seats. The sophisticated creation suggests an element of hidden luxury – and an ideal player at a seafood feast.
Folding instructions
Begin with a square napkin fully opened on a flat surface.
Fold the napkin in half diagonally to form a triangle.
Fold the left and right corners up to meet at the top point, creating a diamond shape.
Fold the bottom point up about two-thirds of the way toward the top.
Carefully flip the napkin over, keeping all folds in place.
Fold the side points inward to create the curved shell shape, then tuck the small pearl (or small decoration) in the centre pocket.
THE CIRCUS
Why have a centre piece when you can decorate your table with napkins? The childlike joy of entering the circus tent is brought to life on the table, signalling the culinary spectacle that is about to unfold.
Folding instructions:
Fold the napkin into a triangle.
Fold your triangle in half.
Fold the peak of this triangle down to the long side of the triangle to create a folding line.
Unfold this fold and repeat on the other side.
You may need to iron this shape to maintain all the folding lines.
Unfold all the triangles and place the napkin flat
Pull the napkin up at the centre point of all the folds to form 4 big triangles.
Press in the fabric in the middle of the large triangles to form the 4 smaller triangles.
THE LILY
She is delicate yet she is bold. The Lily blooms elegantly beside any place setting, bringing a touch of botanical artistry to a formal table.
Folding instructions:
Start with the napkin face down as a square.
Fold each corner into the centre, creating a smaller square.
Flip the napkin over, then fold each corner to the centre again.
Flip once more and carefully pull out each of the four corners from underneath.
Gently shape the pulled corners to create the lily’s petals.
Place a small ornament in the centre if desired.
THE ROSE
Intricate yet certainly achievable, this romantic fold evokes the timeless symbol of love and beauty, transforming fabric into flora – a must for a special or intimate gathering.
Folding Instructions:
Start with a square napkin fully opened on a flat surface.
Fold each corner into the centre point, creating a smaller square.
Turn over the napkin and repeat, folding each corner to the centre.
Flip it over once more and fold corners to centre a third time.
Gently pull out each layer from the centre, rotating slightly as you go.
Shape the emerging “petals” into a spiral pattern resembling a rose in bloom.
THE TULIP
The closed bud of the flower so beloved of Dutch floral tradition (but interestingly, originally from Central Asia). The tulip is both elegant and restrained in her sculptural presence.
Folding instructions:
Begin with a square napkin laid flat.
Fold all four corners to meet in the centre of the napkin.
Flip the napkin over and again fold all four corners to the centre.
Carefully turn the napkin over again, keeping the folds intact.
Gently pull up the centre where all points meet, lifting it while holding the base.
Shape the top portion to resemble a tulip bud as you place it on the table.
THE STRELITZIA
Somewhat exotic, definitely dramatic and destined to be a certain talking point – the Strelitzia fold mimics the striking indigenous (to South Africa) flower. This impressive creation is beautifully sculptural, bringing an impressive vertical element on any tabletop.
Folding Instructions:
Begin with a square napkin laid flat.
Fold the napkin in half diagonally to form a triangle.
Fold the right corner up to meet the top point, then repeat with the left corner.
Flip the napkin over and fold the two outer points toward the centre, leaving a slight gap.
Carefully stand the napkin on its base with the points facing upward.
Gently spread and shape the upward points to mimic the flower’s distinctive crest.
THE PEACOCK
Like its avian counterpart, The Peacock stands loud and proud on any tabletop thanks to its intricate origami-like folds (you’ll need two napkins to make it). Once the hallmark of any classic hotel dining room, we love that the beautiful linen bird has glided back into cool-dom.
Folding instructions
To make the body of the swan fold the first napkin into a triangle.
Place your finger in the middle of the long side of the triangle and then with your other hand take the corner of the triangle and start rolling it in with the point of the roll at your finger until the middle point.
Repeat on the other side.
You should now have two rolls that form a small point where your finger was placed
Turn this over and bend the rolls in two places to form the neck and head.
For the tail fold a standing fan with your second napkin.
Lay the napkin face-down in front of you.
Fold the napkin in half and turn the open end towards you.
Fold the napkin like an accordion starting at either narrow end. Leave one end with 2-3 inches of unfolded napkin to support the standing fan.
Fold the napkin in half with the accordion folds on the outside.
Grasp the unfolded corners where they meet on the open end and fold them in diagonally, tucking them under the accordion folds.
Open it and stand it up placed on top of your swan body fold.