Napkin styling ideas to elevate your table Scape
Photo - Graded Interiors
Hey there, having a little get together are we? looking for something fun to do with your napkins to make things a little more interesting? well you've come to the right place.
If you've been on any of my socials for Graded Interiors, you will see I adore a good table scape and I love creating them, especially when I can use vintage or re-purposed products and the humble napkin is an important part of any good table scene. Whether it's your star performer or a supporting role, the style of your napkins can elevate the whole scheme and give your guests something to swoon over whilst nibbling canapés or sipping some bubbles.
Napkin styles come in all forms, from intricate designs that require a million folds and a bachelors degree to more relaxed designs and even fun styles perfect for occasions such as Easter and Christmas and with Easter nearly upon us, I thought it would be the perfect time to show you some napkin styling ideas that you can learn to re-create at home, to elevate your table scape.
A simple and classic napkin style is the pocket napkin. Whether it's cutlery or menus, the pocket is effortlessly chic as well as functional and can be styled up with beautiful patterns or kept simple with block colours AND it's also perfect for those little touches like a sprig of rosemary or a wildflower to compliment your chosen theme.
Photo - Graded Interiors
Take a flat napkin and fold the top and bottom edges to meet in the centre, overlapping slightly depending on how wide you want your pocket.
Turn the napkin over so the flat side is facing you and fold the right edge over by a third and then fold the left side over the right side to form a rectangle and you should see the fold that will become the pocket.
Turn the napkin over and hey presto, it's ready to take a tasting menu or single stem.
Envelope
This elegant envelope style is perfect for any special occasion, especially one where you want to hide a little surprise such as a keep sake or gift or hold a place card. Follow my step by step guide below to achieve this look.
Photo - Graded Interiors
Take your unfolded napkin and turn it on a diagonal to make a diamond shape.
Grab the bottom point and fold the napkin in half.
Next grab the right side point and fold in towards the centre to create the first edge of the envelop and then repeat for the left side.
Fold down the top, inner envelope point to the centre.
Now it's starting to resemble an envelope but it needs scaling down, so, fold each side in half to meet in the centre to create a smaller version of the same shape.
Now grab the bottom edge and fold it up so the bottom edge is now just below the top of the envelope.
Lastly, fold the top point down into the centre and there you have the perfect napkin envelope ready to rock and roll.
Bunny Ears
Who can resist the cuteness of bunny ears! and what better way to add some fun to your easter table scape than to use your napkins to recreate those cuddly little cuties and it couldn't be simpler.
Photo - Graded Interiors
Take your napkin and turn it on a diagonal to form a diamond shape. Take the bottom point and fold to meet the top point.
Next, rotate the napkin so the points are facing you and roll the points over towards the long edge to form a sausage shape.
Fold the napkin in half and you should be able to see the bunny ears starting to take shape.
Place a boiled, hollow or chocolate egg in the bottom curve and tie ribbon or twine just above the egg to create the ears and secure the egg and then you have the cutest napkin style for your easter table scape.
Bow
I love a good bow and they can suite any occasion such as weddings and birthdays but for me, Christmas is all about those bows and decorative accessories on your presents under the tree, so why not extend that to your dining table. Follow the quick guide below to create gorgeous, full volume napkin bows. Tip - you will need either napkin rings or ribbon for this look.
Photo - Graded Interiors
Take your napkin and fold it in half to create a triangle shape with the points at the top.
Fold the triangle point down to near the centre of the napkin.
Fold the bottom edge up to cover the triangle point and fold the bottom edge up again to form a sausage shape.
Grab the right hand side tip and fold down diagonally to form your first bow tail and then take the left side and fold straight across rather than diagonally down(this will help with sliding on the napkin ring).
Lastly, grab your napkin ring and slide it over the horizontal point and into the middle of the bow, give your creation a little tweak and pull the bow tails into the desired position and length and you should have the perfect table accessory for your festive table.
If you were wanting to use ribbon instead of a napkin ring, follow steps 1-4 and then instead of using a napkin ring, use a length of ribbon to tie around the centre and secure with a knot on the back of the bow and either snip the excess or leave as added bow tails to enhance your creation.
Knotted
For a contemporary take on table styling, knotted napkins are a great choice and super simple and quick to do. Perfect for a less formal yet beautiful table setting such as a barn wedding reception or summer BBQ.
Photo - Graded Interiors
Take your chosen napkin and tie a central knot and place on the table either alongside or on top of the dinner plate, it really is that simple and yet so effective.
Gathered pleats
If you are trying to create a relaxed and rustic wedding table setting or an effortlessly elegant dinner party, gathered pleat napkin designs will create the simple and classic style to compliment your theme. As with the knotted napkin design above, the gathered pleats design is so simple to achieve and a great way to show off any napkin rings or accessories you may have in mind.
Photo - Graded Interiors
Place your napkin out flat, pinch the centre of the napkin and lift so that the napkin drapes down into soft pleats.
Slide the napkin ring over the pinched fabric and pull down to the centre of the napkin or if using ribbon or string, tie a bow or knot around the centre of the napkin and gently arrange the pleats to your liking on the plate or table.
Napkin rings and accessories
With any good design, accessories can help to strengthen and enhance the overall look and that's why considering adding some beautiful accessories to your napkins can make all the difference. From brushed gold napkin rings and velvet bows to jewelled ties and jute string, adding a coordinating accessory will add interest and help to unify your chosen table scape theme.
Photo - Graded Interiors
Whether you are hosting a sophisticated black tie dinner party or a relaxed and rustic wedding, there is a napkin style to suite any taste and with events such as Christmas and halloween, birthday parties and baby showers, the possibilities are endless when you consider seasonal themed fabrics and accessories. So loves, why not try one of these styles at your next party or Sunday roast and wow everyone with your napkin know how.
Kimber Gray
Interior designer
