The Perfect Folds
Create tablescape moments with these Napkin flourishes
7 Napkin Folding Ideas for Every Table
From a simple pleated fan to a sculptural bow, these designer napkin folding ideas pair each technique with a Kim Seybert napkin ring for a finished, elegant look.
| Napkin Folding Idea | Difficulty | Best For | Time |
| The Dip Dye Showstopper | Easy | Everyday dining, casual color | 2 min |
| The Crepe Fold | Easy | Clean, modern tablescapes | 3 min |
| Accordion Bow | Easy | Fan lovers, any occasion | 3 min |
| The Wrapped Gift Fold | Easy | Holiday tables, gift-style styling | 3 min |
| The Fan Fold | Intermediate | Formal or festive place settings | 4 min |
| The Layered Tri-Fold | Intermediate | Coastal and natural tablescapes | 4 min |
| The Holiday Bow | Intermediate | Special occasions, dramatic folds | 5 min |
The Dip Dye Showstopper
- Start with an ironed Dip Dye napkin in Sorbet.
- Fold in half.
- Find the middle of the napkin and fold towards the left.
- Continue folding, keeping a sharp crease.
- Finish fold.
- Add our Garden Party Napkin Ring in Lilac.
Featured products: Flora Placemat in Sorbet, Dip Dye Napkin in Sorbet and Garden Party Napkin Ring.
Difficulty: Easy
Time : 2 mins
The Crepe Fold
- Start with the Classic napkin in Seafoam.
- Fold in half.
- Fold in half again.
- From the left, fold into thirds.
- Flip napkin over so the hem is on the bottom and right side.
- Add the Humm napkin ring, then pull the top and bottom corners for a layered look.
Featured products: Gem Placemat, Classic Napkin in Seafoam and Humm Napkin Ring.
Difficulty: Easy
Time : 3 mins
Accordion Bow
- Start with the Watercolor Ikat napkin in Taupe.
- Fold in half.
- Starting from the left, pleat in 1.5” increments.
- Continue pleating.
- Pleat until fully folded.
- Add the Shell Fringe Napkin Ring and fan out the pleats.
Featured products: Wood Round Placemat, Watercolor Ikat Napkin in Taupe and Shell Fringe Napkin Ring.
Difficulty: Easy
Time : 3 mins
The Wrapped Gift Fold
- Start with an ironed Xmas Plaid Napkin.
- Place the gift on the center of the napkin.
- Fold the corners towards the gift box and tuck under.
- Bring one side to the center.
- Slip the napkin into the Dasher Napkin Ring.
- Do the same with the other side. Zhuzh the ends to add flourish.
Featured products: Croco Placemat in Emerald and Dasher Napkin Ring.
Difficulty: Easy
Time : 3 mins
The Fan Fold
- Start with the Knotted Edge napkin.
- Fold in half.
- Fold once more, making sure the fold opens on the right side.
- Fold the top layer halfway.
- Do the same for the second layer.
- Add the Java napkin ring in Natural, Yellow and Green.
Featured products: Bramble Placemat, Knotted Edge Napkin in White, Natural, & Orange and Java Napkin Ring Natural, Yellow, & Green.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Time : 4 mins
The Layered Tri-Fold
- Start with an ironed Shell Edge Napkin in White & Brown.
- Fold in half to create a triangle.
- Fold the right corner toward the peak of the triangle.
- Do the same with the left corner.
- Holding the bottom, fold in both corners once more to create another layer.
- Secure and make it sparkle with our Seashell Burst napkin ring.
Featured products: Palmera Charger, Shell Edge Napkin in White & Brown and Seashell Burst Napkin Ring.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Time : 4 mins
The Holiday Bow
- Start with an ironed Mira Napkin in Green & Pink.
- Fold the opposite corners.
- Create another fold to make your way towards the center.
- Continue folding both sides until you reach the center of the napkin.
- When the folded sides have reached the center, fold towards each other.
- With the open side up, fold the left side down.
- Fold the right side over the left and add the Cosmos Napkin Ring.
- Pull the ends down and separate bow layers for a fuller look.
Featured products: Mira Napkin and Cosmos Napkin Ring.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Time : 5 mins
Need help?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Each tutorial is broken down into simple, easy-to-follow steps, making the techniques suitable for beginners while still creating elegant, designer-inspired table settings.
Most of the featured folding techniques are designed to be completed with a coordinating Kim Seybert napkin ring. The napkin ring helps secure the fold while adding texture, dimension, and a decorative finishing touch to your place setting.
For the best results, begin with a freshly ironed cloth napkin laid flat on a clean surface. Some techniques also use a decorative napkin ring to complete the final presentation.
The Holiday Bow and The Wrapped Gift Fold are perfect for festive celebrations, while the Accordion Bow, Fan Fold, Layered Tri-Fold, Crepe Fold, and Dip Dye Showstopper create elegant table settings that work beautifully for dinner parties, weddings, and everyday entertaining.
Most of the folding techniques featured in this guide can be completed in just a few minutes. Once you've practiced the steps, they're quick to recreate for everyday meals or special occasions.
Yes. These decorative folding techniques are ideal for formal dinners, weddings, holiday gatherings, celebrations, and other occasions where you want to elevate your tablescape with elegant presentation.
Ironing helps remove wrinkles and creates crisp creases that make decorative folds easier to shape and maintain. Most of the tutorials begin with a freshly ironed cloth napkin for the best finished appearance.
Absolutely. While some designs are perfect for holiday entertaining, the collection also includes versatile folding techniques that can be used for everyday dining, dinner parties, weddings, birthdays, and seasonal tablescapes throughout the year.
Ready to "wow" guests with your unforgettable tablescape? Discover our selection of napkins that add a pop of color and elegance to your table.