Folding napkins into an elegant design is a simple way to dress up a table for any special occasion. Although napkin folding may appear complicated, Deborah Harmon shows us how easy it really is. Traditionally, cloth napkins are pressed and starched before they are folded, but Harmon advocates the use of paper napkins in today's busy world where such preparations consume too much time. Either paper or cloth napkins can be folded in these ways:
Tailored Fold - Lay a basic dinner-size paper napkin on a flat surface. Position the napkin so that the open edges are on the top right (figure A). If using a cloth napkin, make sure that it is first folded into fourths.
- Fold down the first layer of the napkin at a right angle (figure B).
- Bring the layer back and make a parallel crease higher up (figure C).
- Fold the layer along the original crease, forming a diagonal "cuff" (figure D).
- Repeat steps 1-4 with the second layer of the napkin and tuck the cuff inside the first one (figure E).
- Fold the left side of the napkin back at the point where the first cuff comes down from the top (figure F).
- Fold the right side in the same manner, and slide your silverware into the pocket (figure G). Harmon suggests placing name cards or dinner menu cards into the outer pocket.
Fleur-de-Lis - Fold a cloth napkin in half twice, then diagonally to form a triangle (figure H).
- Starting from one corner, fold like a fan or accordion across the triangle (figure I).
- Stick in a glass and open up the layers to imitate petals on a flower (figure J).
Tall Man - Fold an open napkin in half diagonally, keeping the open point at the top.
- Fold the bottom of the triangle up so that it looks like a hat (figure K).
- Accordion fold all the way across, starting at the bottom corner (figure L ).
- Stick the napkin in a glass and open up the edges (figure M).
Harmon shows us an extremely simple way to dress up cloth napkins: pinch the center, fluff out, and tie with a pretty ribbon (figure N). Stick a flower through the ribbon for added elegance.
RESOURCES :
Having Tea: Recipes and Table Settings
Model: 0517560070
Author: Trish Foley
(1987)
Clarkson Potter/The Crown Publishing Group/Random House
Website: www.randomhouse.com
Brunch Entertaining
Model: 0737020105
Author: Janeen A. Sarlin
(1999)
Good Morning: Sixty Fabulous Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
Model: 0811811816
Author: Michael McLaughlin
(1996)
Chronicle Publishing Company
Website: www.chroniclebooks.com
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