Napkins, Napkins and Napkins.....

I enjoy setting a pretty table and especially using fabric napkins.  My mother always set a pretty table and I often was in charge of the "place cards" when I was little.  This tradition was carried into my own family and now I enjoy seeing how my daughter set the table for special dinners.

Napkin folding has always been a fun way for me to dress up a table.  My Mom gave me this book in the early 90's.....

...and I keep this is tucked inside:

I store my napkins in fabric boxes I purchased at the Christmas Tree Shop.  I keep them in the guest linen closet:

There are so many napkin folding videos online and clever ideas found on Pinterest.

Here are a few of my ideas to inspire you:

This bunny fold is very popular and easy to create - fold your napkin into a triangle and roll it from the fold to the point.  Tuck and egg inside and tie tight with a ribbon or twine.

You can use a hard boiled egg and write a name on it as a 'place card'.

This is another bunny fold, a bit more detailed:

A hard boiled egg can also be ticked in for a face:

A simple knotted napkin holds flatware, great idea for a buffet:

A Rose Fold is perfect for a spring table setting:

Another idea for spring is to create a bird's nest out of your napkin:

A Fleur de Lis is a common fold and works well with a paper napkin, too:

This is a cute Rose Fold:

This is another cute fold to hold Easter eggs, or candy treats:

This is perfect for a beach or pool party - fold your napkin into a boat.  

Here are 4 ways to fold like a boat.

Sometimes just simply tucking it into a glass, bowl or cup can add some fun to your table:

 Here are a few Napkin folding videos to inspire you;

 Many of these folds can be created with paper napkins, too.

Here are some cute ways to use NAPKIN RINGS:

Use a simple tassel, or a felt flower to wrap around a rolled napkin:

These are ceramic rings from Pottery Barn:

Think outside the box - this is a hair tie:

This ribbon is attached to the placemat and it ties around the napkin, silverware can be tucked inside and all rolled up - perfect for dining al fresco:

These are simple to make:

A napkin rolled into a bow is perfect for any occasion:

Large leaves or florals can wrap around a napkin to make it festive....

...any item that has a wired stem works well:

POCKETS:

These are perfect for buffets and dining al fresco:

 I found these at the dollar store, the 3 little slits hold plastic silverware and are perfect for picnics:

This napkin fold creates pockets:

These pockets are created from wired burlap ribbon:

So, why use cloth napkins?

They hold up better and are not wasteful, and they are more environmentally friendly. They are decorative and add flair to a table setting. A family of 4, using 2 paper napkins a day can cost over $100 a year.   Fabric napkins are inexpensive and you will have them forever.

Teaching your child the art of napkin folding might make table setting a fun chore for them!

Do you use fabric napkins?