Introduction: Christmas Tree Napkin Fold

By Paige Russell Design
About: Made in Canada, I grew up crafting, making, and baking. Out of this love for designing and creating, I pursued a BFA in product design from Parsons School of Design in NYC. Since then I've done work for Martha…

Learning this Christmas tree napkin fold technique really upped my holiday table setting game and I'd like to spread the (napkin) joy. The following super simple steps result in nothing less than a modern, classy, and I can't help but say it, adorable way to work your napkins into the dinner mix.

Let's get started!

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*Visit some of my other fun holiday projects:

Vinyl Record Holiday Tree
Snow Drift Cakes
Star Light Tree Topper
Ladder Christmas Tree
Snow Globe Cocktail
Brass Himmeli Ornaments
Modern Holiday Wreath

Step 1: Supplies

All you need are perfectly square green* napkins (I used 20" x 20" ones, but any 16"x16" and up size will work great). I prefer to use 100% natural fibers like cotton or linen, but using a poly/cotton blend won't make any difference to the success of the folds.

I like to iron my napkins before I get to folding. This is optional, but results in a crisper looking tree.

*These would still look great in any other color!

Step 2: Fold the Napkin in Half

Make sure the corners are lining up and smooth out any wrinkles.

Step 3: Fold It in Half Again

Again, make sure the corners are all lining up with each other. Smooth it out and spin it around so that all the outside corners are facing you.

Step 4: Fold the Corners Up One at a Time

Stagger each corner like pictured. Aaaand smooth.

Step 5: Flip the Napkin Over

Gently slide your hand under the napkin, sandwich it between your hands, and flip it over.

Step 6: Fold Both Outer Corners to Their Opposite Sides

One at a time, fold each upper outside corner over to the opposite side's edge, so that the tops are parallel with you and you've formed a tidy downwards pointing triangle-ish shape.

Step 7: Flip It Again

Flip the folded napkin over again.

Step 8: Fold 'em UP

Starting at the top, fold each flap up. Tuck the second through the fifth flap up under the one above it, hiding the pointed corner.

Nice job, the hard work is done!

Step 9: Place and Primp

Once you've set the table, place the napkins on the empty plates and make sure all their folds are still in place.

I chose to leave my trees bare, but feel free to add stars and/or edible glitter or any other little non-toxic bits you can think of! I'd love to see pictures posted to the comments section if you give these a go!!

Bon appetite and happy holidays!

Step 10: Visit Some of My Other Fun Holiday Projects:

Vinyl Record Holiday Tree
Snow Drift Cakes
Star Light Tree Topper
Ladder Christmas Tree
Snow Globe Cocktail
Brass Himmeli Ornaments
Modern Holiday Wreath