Making a choice
To begin with, there are several parameters that will help you decide on the right accessory for the table:
- You should choose the appropriate size. Usually there is a choice between the format 35×35-45×45 or 25×25-35×35. Large ones are used on the main table for main courses. The smaller ones are for small buffet tables.
- We choose the material. Here the choice is between paper napkins and fabric ones. Ideally, both of these options should be on the table. Paper ones are for more practical purposes, and fabric ones are for decoration.
- Next is a point for aesthetes. We choose between hemmed napkins or napkins with fringes. Of course, fringe will be a little unnecessary for a wedding table, so it’s still worth going with the first option.
There really aren't many points to define in the selection. But before you decide on the size, material, and choose shapes and figures, you need to take into account a few more nuances. And now I’ll tell you a little about what you need to do for style and harmony.
How to decorate a holiday table with napkins
Types of napkins How to fold napkins beautifully - One pocket - French envelope - Diamond - Heart - Herringbone - Lily - Wrapped cutlery - French triangle - Decorative sheet - Envelope - Lotus
Did you know that something as familiar to us as a fabric scarf is thousands of years old? And therefore, there is also the question of how to fold napkins beautifully. However, the ancient Egyptians hardly puzzled over it. After the meal, they used a fig leaf, which was the prototype of the modern accessory. The first textile products appeared in Ancient Greece, and then in Ancient Rome. True, asbestos fibers were used for their production, and they were very expensive. So only rich citizens could afford them.
By the way, asbestos has long been a fairly popular material for making table textiles. They say that Catherine the Second loved to surprise her guests with such a tablecloth. Pretending to be angry, the empress tore the cloth from the dining table and threw it into the fire. And a couple of minutes later the servant came, took out from the fireplace not only a completely intact, but also a completely clean tablecloth and set the table.
Today, manufacturers offer various options for table textiles. Therefore, before moving on to the question of how to fold fabric napkins for table setting, let's look at what they are.
- Decoration
Summer table setting: 9 bright ideas
Some tips
It seems like ordinary napkins, what’s wrong with that? Set it out for each guest and you’re done. But no. There are certain rules, if you break them, you will get a tasteless and inappropriate attribute. I would like to share with you some tips on how not to harm the overall design of the banquet hall:
- napkins should match the color of the tablecloth, as well as the color of your holiday;
- if the tablecloth consists of two parts, then the color of the accessory should be similar to the main color. For example, if the tablecloth is blue with white elements, then the napkins should also be blue;
- if rings are used for decoration, then they should match the style of the dishes;
- When giving different shapes to napkins, you need to wrinkle and fold them as little as possible.
Variety of forms
Many parameters have already been discussed, but do not forget that for the overall impression of the table decoration, you should pay attention to how the napkins you choose are folded. After all, the more original the presentation, the longer they will leave pleasant and amazing memories of the decor as a whole.
So, now let’s talk about the variety of forms, but it’s worth clarifying that fabric napkins need to be starched before creating a masterpiece. Of course, not everyone can create this masterpiece on their own, but don’t worry, because there is a professional section where they will always help you. Now let's move on to the forms themselves and their diversity.
Lily
An interesting version of a flower that can be made either from paper or using fabric material.
Simple envelope
Simple pockets for cutlery can be made from either paper or fabric.
French envelope
Slightly different from a simple envelope. It is made exclusively from fabric. Such an envelope has an original and, as a rule, three-dimensional shape.
Fan
It seems like a familiar figure to everyone, but even here there is little choice. You can make a fan using a ring or simply fold it neatly like an accordion.
Butterfly
A simple option made from fabric.
Rose
It is made mainly from fabric. This decoration looks very delicate, but at the same time stylish. And if the festive table is also decorated with fresh flowers, you will get an excellent bright picture.
leaf
This form is suitable for both paper and starched napkins. Making such a sheet is very simple, because you just need to fold it diagonally like an accordion and bend it in half.
Flower in a glass
Undoubtedly, a flower in a glass looks very original and solemn. Therefore, it is better to abandon paper decoration.
Tent
An original idea for paper or starched napkins.
heart
A very symbolic shape that will help maintain an atmosphere of love and romance. Made from any type of napkins.
Shirt
A very interesting and challenging option. It would be original to arrange such attributes for the male half of the wedding.
Elf hat
Cool shape for a fun and fiery wedding.
Turkey
If you are having an outdoor celebration or your wedding theme is ranch and farm, then the turkey shape will fit perfectly into the interior.
Pinwheel
Another original pinwheel shape, four folded corners directed clockwise or counterclockwise.
Herringbone
A neatly folded Christmas tree would be an original idea for a winter wedding.
bunny ears
An excellent and interesting option would be bunny ears made from paper napkins.
Pyramid
A classic fabric option that has long been used in the decoration industry.
Tie
For a stylish and modern wedding, an interesting shape in the form of a tie is suitable.
Tulip
A fresh spring idea would be one of the beautiful flowers called a tulip.
Scroll with ring
One of the simplest, but no less attractive options is a scroll with a ring. It is very simple to do, but you need to take care of purchasing many identical rings.
Candle
Another interesting option will be offered by a candle. It can be made from either paper or fabric. This attribute will add warmth and comfort to the celebration.
As you can see, the variety of forms is so great that you can choose the right attribute for a specific theme. Many of the forms described are very easy to make yourself. That's just a question. Will you painstakingly create many identical accessories or will you trust the professionals? What choice would you make?
Napkins for wedding serving: more than 20 options
We never tire of repeating that style is made up of details, attention to detail. One of these important details in wedding decoration are napkins . It would seem that this is a prosaic and self-evident thing: in one form or another, napkins are present on any holiday table. The question is: in what form is it more correct and better? What material of napkins is preferable? How to fold them? Do I need additional decoration? And how to harmoniously combine with printing?
Aesthetes and fans of classic table setting answer unanimously: the presence of high-quality fabric napkins indicates awareness of etiquette issues, respect for guests, as well as the level and solemnity of the event.
Paper napkins are also acceptable, but still less preferable. We often have both options on our tables (paper ones are additionally displayed in special holders). Sitting down at the table and seeing a beautiful, neatly folded textile napkin on a plate in front of you, not everyone always understands how to properly use this accessory. Sometimes they simply put it aside, preferring to use paper, which they “don’t mind getting dirty.” Although linen napkins also exist to be “dirty”: they are placed on the lap to protect clothes from accidental drops, crumbs and stains.
However, today we are talking not so much about etiquette, but about the decorative capabilities of textile napkins. After all, I repeat, a neat, well-ironed and beautifully folded napkin decorates the table and, in combination with other serving items, gives it a more solemn look. And for decorators, napkins are also an opportunity to emphasize the style of the celebration: with the help of color, shape and additional decor.
We select fabric, sew, combine
In restaurants (with rare exceptions) you will be offered sets of textile napkins in some universal neutral colors, which may not suit the chosen color scheme of your celebration. There are two options here - rent napkins of a suitable shade or, if you don’t have one, sew your own ideal set.
There is nothing complicated here, the main thing is to choose high-quality fabric . The material for napkins should be good quality, dense, wear-resistant and at the same time light, easy to wash and take shape. cotton , linen , satin and special fabrics for table linen with the addition of synthetics are used for tailoring (they are less deformed, easy to iron and almost do not shrink when washed).
Again, the choice of material and color depends on the style of the celebration. It is obvious that natural textiles, both in composition and in color, are good for weddings in rustic and country styles. Classic requires a little more chic (golden, silver fabrics with a slight shine) and nobility (rich burgundy, purple, emerald, etc.). And matte textiles in simple pure colors (for example, red, blue) in combination with the strict lines of a folded napkin will be appropriate in a design in the spirit of minimalism.
Let’s not forget that napkins should be consistent in color, pattern and texture with the rest of the table textiles - with the tablecloth and runners: either harmoniously complement them, or, on the contrary, contrast with them.
The sizes of textile napkins vary from 35 x 35 cm to 50 x 50 cm. The latter, larger sizes, are suitable for gala dinners. From such a square of fabric it is possible to fold many different shapes. On the Internet you can easily find numerous instructions for shaped folding of textile napkins - from a simple “roll” to complex “lotuses”.
We would like to highlight several options that are both attractive and practical, which can be successfully combined with appliances and printing.
Everything is convenient - simple!
A napkin folded into a rectangle can simply be placed near the plate, on it (a more informal serving option) or between the snack plate and the stand - so that it hangs halfway over the edge of the table.
Such classic plain napkins with embroidery, for example, with the initials of the newlyweds or the wedding date, look elegant. A special touch is the guest’s name on a napkin. By the way, about personalization: you can add it to paper napkins by ordering printing on them.
A couple more options that are easy to fold are a napkin rolled into a tube or folded into a triangle. Napkin rings, as well as mini bouquets, single flowers, and place cards tied with ribbons, lace or twine will help diversify this simple geometry.
Practical pocket
The napkin can be used as a backing for cutlery and tied together with a decorative cord or ribbon. Or replace it with a wide strip of paper with the guest's name or a compact menu printed on it. A more intricate option is to place the devices in a napkin folded into an envelope.
And if you make a similar case with several pockets, you can put the same place cards, menus, and flowers in them.
Let's add some chic
If you are faced with the task of creating a design where every detail will feel chic, rhinestone ribbons, brooches with crystals, large exotic flowers, spectacular napkin rings (metal, ceramic, and beaded rings) will come to the rescue.
And the methods of folding napkins themselves can be more interesting and elegant: “butterfly”, “tuxedo”, “handbag”, “palm leaf”.
Textile "origami"
The favorite arrangement of napkins in a glass like a “candle” or “lily” in our restaurants may not always be appropriate. But if your hands can’t wait to create something interesting in the spirit of textile “origami”, take note of several cute options for curly folding of a napkin - for example, “spinner”, “heart”, “fan”, “flower” (such as lotus or rose ). Such napkins are already quite decorative in themselves, so they do not require any special addition. The main thing is that such “playful” forms are appropriate in the style of the celebration.
Whatever design you choose, the napkins should be neatly folded, clean and carefully ironed. After all, you will agree that the impression of the entire celebration largely depends on the impeccability of these details.
Helpful information:
Fashionable eco style
Modern Wedding Invitation Design - Gold Plating
With your own hands
Of course, most newlyweds do not do the decorations themselves at all. And they can be understood, since any company associated with the holidays can offer a huge number of design options.
You just need to decide on the style and color, and the rest will be done for you. But still, there will be those people who want to put a piece of their soul into it and make small wedding accessories by hand. And it is for such people that I want to offer several master classes on creating simple and more complex decorations from napkins.
One of the simplest and fastest, but at the same time very effective options would be a fan in a glass. It is done very simply and literally in several stages:
- Fold the napkin like an accordion.
- We bend it in half in the middle.
- We put it in the ring.
This very simple option will look great on the table. The finished fan can be left lying on a plate or placed in a glass. This form of decoration is suitable for hot summer weddings.
But don't think that this is the end of the options, because we haven't covered a few more interesting ideas. No, I haven't forgotten about them. I just left all the most original and delicious things for later.
For example, knitted napkins. A very beautiful attribute, but its downside is its own impracticality. You can’t wipe your hands and mouth with this attribute. All that remains is to admire such beauty and under no circumstances spoil it.
For cheerful and optimistic newlyweds, you can safely choose very bright decorations and additions for any type of wedding napkins. For lovers of classics and splendor, you can come up with figures in the form of a swan, a goose, a bull and various animals, which will suit your imagination.
Types of napkins
- Made from natural materials - linen and cotton. This is a classic. Such products starch well and keep their shape well. There are also disadvantages: they can shrink when washing or stretch diagonally when ironing.
- Made from mixed fabrics. The composition contains cotton, viscose, lavsan and polyester in various proportions. Such accessories are easily smoothed and washed, and do not shrink. Products made from mixed textiles lend themselves best to draping and curly folding.
- Made from synthetic fabrics. Accessories made of polyester are easy to care for, but they do not absorb moisture. So, when setting the table with them, don’t forget about paper towels.
Please note: for various figures, square scarves with a side of at least 50 cm for complex compositions and 35 cm for simple ones are suitable. Let's look at the process of creating them step by step.
Some more useful information
In conclusion, I want to offer you another small but interesting lesson. We haven't considered this form yet. This type looks quite interesting and is called “artichoke”. The name is funny, and the figure is somewhat unusual, but to create it you will need a simple, simple method.
So:
- Place the fully unfolded napkin with the wrong side up.
- Next we bend all the corners towards the center.
- Once again we bend all the corners.
- Now we turn our product over and bend all the corners again.
- At the last stage, we begin to very carefully pull out all the corners from the resulting quadrilateral.
In reality it looks like this.
Finally, I want to give one more piece of advice. Cloth napkins are usually placed on an appetizer or dessert plate. But paper napkins are presented in special stands or vases.
It is also possible to place this wedding table design attribute directly on the tablecloth itself, between the cutlery and dishes. This arrangement option refers to various three-dimensional figures made from a napkin accessory.
Romantic decor
Try to surprise and be sophisticated in everything, especially for your significant other! Let the long-awaited date be especially beautiful and unusual.
This rose looks designer! In fact, there is nothing easier than making a chic flower from a napkin. The main thing is to choose beautiful textiles.
Let's get started...
Simplified version in two steps
Original presentation of napkins in the form of roses
