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How to Fold Thanksgiving Napkins 5 Ways

Written by Natalie Johns

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Posted on June 03 2024

5 Ways to fold a  Thanksgiving Napkin

Want to take your Thanksgiving table from meh to magnificent? It's time to focus on one of the most important details of the table settings: napkin folding. 


Sure, the turkey and mashed potatoes are key, but a well-folded napkin can add that extra sparkle to your feast. 


In this post, we’ll talk about the secrets of Thanksgiving napkin folding and teach you how to fold napkins for Thanksgiving in five unique ways. Whether you're aiming to impress the in-laws or just add some flair, these napkin folds will take your table setting to the next level. 


Get ready to transform your Thanksgiving napkins into the talk of the table—your Thanksgiving dinner is about to get a whole lot more stylish!



Thanksgiving Napkins

5 Ways to Fold Your Thanksgiving Napkins

1. Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Fold

How to fold a Thanksgiving Napkin into a Turkey

Ready to wow your guests with a turkey that won’t take hours to cook? Here’s a fun, easy guide to Thanksgiving napkin folding that will turn your table into a gobbling good time.


How to Fold a Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin:


  1. Step 1 - Start with a Square Napkin: Grab a square napkin. We’re aiming for turkey perfection, so make sure it’s wrinkle-free!

  2. Step 2 - First Fold: Lay the napkin flat and fold it in half, leaving about an inch at the top. Think of it as giving your napkin a little hat!

  3. Step 3 - Second Fold: Fold it in half again, keeping that inch overhang at the top. You’re now holding a long rectangle with a stylish overhang.

  4. Step 4 - Create the Accordion: From one of the long ends, start folding the napkin back and forth like an accordion. Each fold should be about an inch wide.

  5. Step 5 - Insert into Napkin Ring: Carefully push the middle of your accordion-folded napkin through a napkin ring. Make sure your napkin ring is at least 2 inches thick to let those folds fan out beautifully.

  6. Step 6 Form the Turkey Body: Place the napkin so the folds fan out above the napkin ring, resembling a turkey’s feathers. Add a pinecone in front of the napkin ring to serve as the turkey’s body.

Step by Step How to fold a Thanksgiving Napkin into a Turkey

2. Fall Leaf Napkin Fold

How to fold a Thanksgiving Napkin into a Fall Leaf

Bring the beauty of fall right to your table! This Thanksgiving, impress your guests with this Fall leaf napkin fold. It's an easy way to add a sophisticated, seasonal touch to your table.


How to Fold a Thanksgiving Leaf Napkin:


  1. Step 1 - Square Napkin Start: Begin with a square napkin.
  2. Step 2 - Form a Triangle: Fold the napkin into a triangle, then fold it again into another triangle if using a larger napkin.
  3. Step 3 - First Accordion Fold: Accordion fold one side of the long side of the triangle.
  4. Step 4 - Second Accordion Fold: Repeat the accordion fold on the other side of the triangle and pinch the sides together.
  5. Step 5 - Secure with Ribbon: Tie the pinched ends tightly with a piece of ribbon or jute string.
  6. Step 6 - Final Touch: Place an acorn or a small decorative leaf on the tie to add an extra flair.


Step by Step How to fold a Thanksgiving Napkin into a Fall Leaf

3. Thanksgiving Cornucopia Napkin Fold

Ready to take your Thanksgiving table decor to the next level? The Harvest Cornucopia Napkin Fold is a fantastic way to impress your guests and add some Fall maging to your meal.


How to Fold a Thanksgiving Cornucopia Napkin:


    1. Step 1 - Start with a Square Napkin: Lay it out flat.
    2. Step 2 - Create a Triangle: Fold the napkin in half diagonally to form a large triangle.
    3. Step 3 - Begin Rolling: Starting from the widest edge, roll the napkin towards the pointed tip. Make sure your roll is tight and even to keep the shape intact.
    4. Step 4 - Shape the Cornucopia: Gently bend the rolled napkin into a half-moon or cornucopia shape. Adjust the curve until it resembles the classic horn of plenty.
    5. Step 5 - Secure the Shape: Tuck the pointed tip underneath to help hold the shape.
    6. Step 6 - Add Seasonal Decor: Place a small sprig of fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, or a cinnamon stick inside the open end of the napkin roll for a festive touch.

4. Thanksgiving Pumpkin Napkin Fold

Spice up your Thanksgiving table with this pumpkin napkin fold! It’s a fun and creative way to bring a Fall vibe to your Thanksgiving table. Here's how you turn those napkins into little pumpkins that your guests will love:

How to Fold a Pumpkin Napkin:

  1. Start with a Square Napkin: Lay it flat and smooth out any wrinkles.
  2. Fold into a Diamond: Position the napkin so it looks like a diamond, with a corner pointing up.
  3. Fold the Top Down: Fold the top corner down to meet the bottom corner, creating a triangle.
  4. Roll from the Base: Starting from the wide base, roll the napkin towards the point. Keep the roll tight and even.
  5. Create the Pumpkin Shape: Form a loose, circular shape by gently bending the rolled napkin into a circle.
  6. Tuck the Ends: Tuck the ends underneath the roll to secure the shape.
  7. Add a Stem: Place a cinnamon stick or a rolled napkin piece in the center to mimic a pumpkin stem.

5. Silverware Envelope Napkin Fold

Let’s talk about the silverware envelope fold—a stylish and practical addition to your Thanksgiving tablescape... or really any tablescape. This Thanksgiving napkin folding technique looks classy and keeps your silverware neatly tucked away. 

How to Fold a Napkin into a Silverware Envelope:

  1. Start with a Square Napkin: Lay it flat with the pattern side down if using a patterned napkin.
  2. Fold in Half: Fold the napkin in half horizontally to create a rectangle.
  3. Fold Again: Fold the rectangle in half vertically to form a square.
  4. Create the Envelope Flap: Position the napkin so the open corners are at the top right. Take the top layer of the top right corner and fold it diagonally down to the bottom left corner.
  5. Flip and Fold: Flip the napkin over, keeping the folded triangle intact. Fold the left side towards the center, then fold the right side over to overlap the left.
  6. Tuck in Silverware: Flip it back over to the front side, and you’ll see a pocket. Slip your silverware into this pocket for a neat, stylish presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Properly Set a Table for Thanksgiving?

Setting a Thanksgiving table is all about creating an inviting and cozy vibe. 


Start with a clean, ironed tablecloth or runner. Place chargers at each seat, followed by dinner plates. Add salad plates or soup bowls if needed.


Position silverware in the order of use: forks on the left, knives and spoons on the right. Don’t forget the Thanksgiving napkins—fold them neatly or use a napkin ring for a polished look. 


Complete the setup with glasses for water and wine above the knives, and set a festive centerpiece.

How to Fold Table Napkins for Thanksgiving?

Folding Thanksgiving napkins can add a special touch to your table setting. 


One option is the silverware envelope fold. Start with a square napkin, fold it in half horizontally, then vertically to form a square. Fold the top layer diagonally to create a pocket, flip and fold the sides towards the center, then slip your silverware into the pocket. This not only looks chic but also keeps utensils organized. 


Experiment with other folds like the leaf or pumpkin to match your theme.

Where Should Napkins Be Placed on a Table?

Proper placement of Thanksgiving napkins is important when setting your table. Napkins can be placed in several ways depending on the formality of the setting. 


For a formal dinner, place the napkin on the dinner plate or to the left of the forks. If you’re using napkin rings or intricate folds, showcasing them on the plate adds some decorative flair to the table. 


For a more casual setting, you can also place napkins in water glasses or tucked into the side of the plate.

What Do You Put in the Middle of the Table for Thanksgiving?

The centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table should capture the feeling of the season. Popular choices include a beautiful floral arrangement with autumn hues, a cornucopia filled with seasonal fruits and vegetables, or an array of candles for a warm, inviting glow. 


To stick with the season, add elements like small pumpkins, gourds, and leaves. Remember to keep the centerpiece low enough to encourage conversation across the table.

Conclusion

Well, look at you, napkin-folding expert! Your Thanksgiving table is now prepped to be the most Instagramable  with these fantastic folds. 


Whether it’s the sophisticated envelope or the pumpkin, each napkin brings a burst of seasonal cheer. 


So, sit back, admire your handiwork, and get ready to hear those “oohs” and “aahs” from your guests. Here’s to a Thanksgiving that’s stylish, fun, and oh-so-memorable!