Napkin folding made easy

Folding napkins made easy - simple, creative & for every occasion

They are decorative, contribute to hygiene and go wonderfully with festive occasions: napkins. Even in Roman times, the noble cloth was a must - and in the 16th century the nobility used the "mouth cloth", as it used to be called. Today, the napkin is available in different versions, for example made of cotton or paper, with colorful motifs or plain and monochromatic. While the term "serviette" was taken from the French and can be translated as "the little servant", the original term comes from the Latin "servus" - i.e. the servant (slave). The background: In the past, the guests' plates were wiped clean with a so-called plate cloth by employees. Later, these were not only given to invited guests, but were also used to enhance table decorations.

Effect of tasteful table napkins

Whether for Christmas, Easter, for a birthday or for coffee and cake: napkins are still trendy today. With the practical tablecloths it is possible on the one hand to set color accents at the dining table and to provide an optical eye-catcher. On the other hand, the invited guests are particularly grateful for serviettes, which are used to clean their mouths or fingers. Clothing can also be protected by spreading the napkin on the thighs.

Tip: The laid table looks boring and you need a quick solution? It doesn't always have to be expensive decoration that is effective as an eye-catcher. Napkins in the same color as the candles or flowers provide that certain something - and playfully light for a noble feeling. A white tablecloth can be spiced up in this way, for example with colorful serviettes, a floral pattern or a trendy dot design.

Folding napkins - these types of napkins exist

Napkins are made of different materials:

• made of textiles (e.g. linen, silk)
• made of paper
• from cellulose

Especially in upscale gastronomy, professionals rely on high-quality cloth napkins. The advantages are obvious: The fabric towels not only look classy, ​​but are also sustainable and therefore reusable. The absolute classic is the serviette cloth in white. The so-called damask cloth, which is considered the most elegant form of serviette, is particularly popular. This usually consists of high-quality fabrics such as silk, refined cotton or linen.

Good to know: it is advisable to wash cloth napkins regularly to remove grease and dirt. However, it is important that you do not use fabric softener. Because in the worst case, they lose their shape and quickly appear "loose" and stale. You can fold a cloth napkin better without fabric softener.

Paper napkins, which are often sold in large quantities, are particularly popular for private use. The disadvantage is that these are usually only used once and then end up in the garbage.

Practical: Today there is a large selection of sustainable tissue papers that are produced in an environmentally friendly way. While some manufacturers rely on fresh cellulose from plants as the main ingredient, others use pure recycled fibers. The first variant is referred to as "tissue". Tissues have the advantage that they are tear-resistant and absorbent.

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🌱 Eco-friendly and recyclable alternative to traditional napkins.
♻️ made from recycled paper and 100% biodegradable.
✅ 20x10cm, 2-ply, 1/8 fold and available from 50 pieces.

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DYI: Fold serving

In order for serviettes to develop their full effect, many people rely on the now well-known art of serviettes. While it is part of the basic training in the catering and hotel industry, it is also popular in private life. The art of folding is also known as "napkin breaking" or simply "napkin folding". Popular napkin folding techniques include:

• leaves
• subjects
• cutlery pockets
• boiled beef
• bishop's hats
• shuttle
• butterflies
• roses

Folding elegant serviettes made easy: instructions for fan napkins

1. To fold the "fan" shape, spread out the napkin in front of you in the first step.
2. Start with your fingers at the lower tip and fold accordion strips to the middle of the napkin.
3. Now turn the napkin 180° in the next step.
4. Grab the right corner and put it on top of the left corner. Make sure to fold these in the mullion.
5. The last step is to turn the left corner to the front. For a clean finish, you hide the corner behind the fan - and it's done: The elegant fan shape is created.

The first move does not have to be right, because: Note that when folding serviettes, practice is what matters most. The more we fold, the easier it is for us to implement complex folding techniques.

Tip: Whether stars, a fir tree or Easter bunnies - in addition to the classic shapes, there are special folding techniques for special occasions. For example, serving at Christmas and serving at Easter are particularly popular. The unusual napkin shapes provide that creative something on holidays - and are guaranteed to be an eye-catcher for loved ones.

Napkin etiquette: Help & tips for the perfect placement

Festively set tables with serviettes often cause some insecurities if you don't know what to do with the cloth. We have summarized the most common tips:

- Before eating: the napkin is taken from the table and serves to cover the lap and protect clothing. To do this, fold the cloth into a rectangle and place it. It is important that the napkin is not usually used to put it around the neck or to tie it. Also, it is not used to cover the bodice.

- During the meal: the napkin stays where it is. That means you don't take them off your lap. Just use them to dab your mouth clean before reaching for your drinking glass. This is how you avoid traces of grease on the glass. Make sure to place the side of the cloth you'll be using for cleaning facing up. Otherwise, unsightly stains will appear on your trousers.

- After the meal: Whether paper napkin or cloth napkin - both napkins belong to the left of the plate as soon as you have finished eating. This has the practical effect of relieving the condition. Because the plates usually end up in the kitchen ready for the dishwasher. Napkins on the plate complicate this step. Tip: Fold the napkin so that the dirt marks are hidden when you place it next to the plate.



FAQs

What types of napkins are there?
The most common napkin shapes are made of fabric and paper. A sustainable alternative are napkins made from recycled materials and vegetable cellulose. Especially in the upscale gastronomy, cloth napkins are used, which are reusable.


What is the purpose of the napkin at the table?
Napkins, which were formerly known as "napkins", are used for decorative purposes on the one hand. On the other hand, they also fulfill a functional purpose for the guest: lips and fingers can be cleaned. Placing a napkin on your lap keeps your clothes free of grease and dirt stains.


What do I have to consider when folding napkins?
Note that cloth napkins depend on the quality of the material. These can be folded optimally if they don't look too "bagged out". Therefore, do not use fabric softener when you wash your napkins.


Where do Servants come from?
Napkins have a long history. It was formerly used by servants for wiping plates. Around the 16th century, the nobility in particular used serviettes. Since then, the practical and decorative element should not be missing from any festively set table.


What napkin shapes are there?
Napkin art is diverse: In addition to the classic forms, which include the fan technique, the boiled beef and the bishop's miter, there are also unusual techniques for special occasions. Easter bunnies, stars and various types of flowers are popular, for example.

Sources

https://www.welt.de/lifestyle/article111961551/So-rettet-man-sich-vor-embarrassing-napkin-pannen.html
https://www.blick-aktuell.de/Verlosungen/Leicht-machenServietten-falten-233562.html
https://www.merkur.de/leben/wohnen/falttechnik-zu-weihnachts-so-falten-sie-servietten-zu-eine-tannenbaum-zr-91153442.html
https://www.wunderweib.de/napkins-folds-to-christmas-lotusbluete-53974.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoeWe-8GO9gIV9oxoCR1iugWYEAMYASAAEgI04PD_BwE
https://utopia.de/ratgeber/napkin-folds-3-simple-and-effective-ideas/