Napkin  folding isn't just for posh restaurants and boutique hotels, you know. It can also be the perfect way to add a special touch to yourhomecooked meal. Looking for inspiration? Our napkin folding ideas are sure to add fun and flair to your  tablescape , leaving your dinner guests oohing and aahing with admiration. From easy peasy techniques that will become your go-tos, to stunning seasonal folds, perfect for elevating your Christmas and Easter celebrations, here's how to fold napkins just like an expert.

Are you hosting a black-tie dinner party? To fit with the theme, make your napkins look like little bow ties. There are two ways to make a bow-style napkin, so just pick your favourite.

The first method is to fold your napkin accordion-style. This means folding the cloth bit by bit so that when you open it up, it looks just like an accordion. Once you’ve folded your napkin, gently fan out the edges but pinch your napkin together in the centre to make that adorable bow tie shape. Pop a napkin ring in the centre to keep your bow tie in place. 

The other method is to fold the opposite sides of your napkin lengthways to meet perfectly in the middle, then fold again at the centre where each end meets. Now, cinch the napkin in the middle with a string, tassel or ribbon and viola - you have a lovely bow. 

This napkin folding style comes from Japan and is such a fun and creative way to wrap your party favours. 

Lay the napkin diagonally and pop a little gift for your guest in the centre. Fold in the top and bottom corners, then tie the excess fabric into a gorgeous bow. Now, along with a gorgeously folded napkin, everyone has a little present, which is guaranteed to put a smile on their faces. 

The envelope is one of our favourite ways of folding cloth napkins because you can pop a printed menu, personalised note, or anything else you fancy inside. How about a character card for a murder mystery dinner?

This one is easy as pie. Start by folding your napkin into a triangle and then fold both bottom corners inward so that they meet in the middle. Next, bring the left and right sides in again to meet in the centre. Now, fold the bottom two corners up to sit just below the triangle at the top so that it looks like an open envelope. To finish, fold that top flap down so that the envelope is closed. You may want to gently press with an iron to keep everything in place. 

Planning a dinner with that special someone? Folding your cloth napkins into roses adds that bit of oh la la romance. 

Simply roll up your napkin lengthways, and fold the left corner at a right angle. Then twist until a rose appears before your eyes. We definitely recommend this napkin folding style if you’re enjoying a cosy Valentine’s dinner at home or hosting a ‘Galentines’ dinner party. 

The pocket-style fold is a cutie. All you need to do is fold your napkin in half, then fold it again to make a small square. Next, take the top layer’s corner and fold it diagonally across. Flip your napkin and fold it into thirds, folding the right third over first, then the left. When you flip your napkin over again, you should have a handy dandy little pocket for your silverware. 

 Double Diamond

They say diamonds are forever, so add the jewel’s timeless glamour to your tablescape by using this cloth napkin folding technique.

Fold your square napkin diagonally and bring the bottom two corners up to make a square. Then, flip the napkin and fold up the bottom corner halfway. Now, tuck under your corners to reveal a rectangle topped with a fabulous diamond shape.

 Lovely Lotus

The lotus fold is a slightly more complicated napkin folding technique, but the end result is absolutely worth it. 

Take your square napkin and fold the corners inward to make a smaller square. Then flip the napkin and fold the corners in again. Now, press down on the centre of your napkin with one finger to hold it in place as you pull up the flap from underneath at each corner, creating graceful petals.

 Fabulous Fan

This is another advanced technique for the adventurous napkin folders among you. It transforms your cloth napkin into a magnificent fan. 

First, fold your napkin in half and flip it. Next, fold a small section of your napkin accordion style, leaving a few folds worth of napkin at the end. Now, it’s time to fold your napkin in half again. 

Tuck the free corners from the unpleated section of the napkin in between the pleats. When you spread out the pleats, you should have a spectacular standing fan.

Holidays like Easter and Christmas deserve a special dinner. And what better way to make your festive dinner stand out than with a napkin folding technique that fits the theme?

 How to Fold Cloth Napkins for Easter - Bunny Ears 

Honour the Easter Bunny himself in your tablescape with adorable bunny ear napkins. 

Create your rabbit by folding your napkin into a triangle and rolling it into a strip. Now fold it in half again.

Here comes the really fun part. String a six-inch pipe cleaner through a colourful bead (we recommend pink), and then tie the pipe cleaner near the bottom of the napkin. Now your bunny has a cute little nose - but he needs some whiskers. Not to worry… push 3 three-inch pipe cleaners through the beady nose and voila, a bunny complete with whiskers. 

 How to Fold Cloth Napkins for Christmas - Christmas Tree 

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree … you make a very pretty napkin shape.

This Christmas tree napkin folding technique is perfect for your Christmas dinner. Fold your napkin in half and then half again. Next, rotate your napkin so it’s shaped like a diamond. Then fold the corner of the top layer of the napkin up, repeating with the corners of each layer below.

Now, flip your napkin over and fold it into thirds, bringing the corners of the left and right third to meet in the centre. Then, told the top down. Now, flip it again - it should be starting to look pretty tree-ish now. All you need to do to complete the transformation is to tuck the corners of your flaps under into the folds. Now you’ll have a tablescape worthy of St.Nick himself.

Need more festive tips for table decor that will land you on the nice list? Our  Christmas table-setting guide  is here to help. 

Whichever napkin folding technique you decide to wow your guests with, our  Secret Linen Store cloth napkins  will always impress, with lots of lovely colours and only the best materials to choose from.