Fancy Folds for Table Napkins

November 12, 2019

High above the ancient woodlands of the Teign Gorge stands Castle Drogo. Inspired by the rugged Dartmoor tors that surround it, the castle was designed and built by renowned 20th-century architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. These fun napkin styles and instructions come from the team who takes care of the Castle. We hope you will try them out for your holiday dinners!

The Moccasin

  1. Lay the napkin flat.
  2. Fold into a square of four.
  3. Fold into a triangle with the loose corners uppermost at the apex, point A.
  4. Turn point BB over and under the triangle
  5. Lift and place the sides together, and while holding with the hand, pull up the loose points from the front, one after the other.

The Mitre

  1. Fold the napkin in a screen fold of three.

  2. Fold the strip in two, bringing the hems to meet in the middle point C.

  3. Turn up point A to meet C in the middle and turn B on the left, down to the same point.

  4. Place the folds DD to lie parallel

  5. Fold point E on the left under point C on the other side

  6. Hold both fastenings rightly between the fingers and thumb and pull the foundations out a little and place upright on the table.

The Double Pocket

  1. Fold the napkin in two lengthways and turn the hems downs at each end, until the points meet in the middle.
  2. Fold the points over to meet in the center.
  3. Place the folds parallel, having the pointed sides outermost.
  4. Turn in the ends to gain a triangle.
  5. Fold over points and slip one inside the other.
  6. Turn napkin over and fold points on other side in same manner.

When placed upright, the fold shows a double pocket, in one of which flowers may be placed and bread in the other.

The Candle

  1. Lay out a napkin as a diamond.
  2. Fold in half to form a triangle.
  3. Fold as indicated by the dotted line.
  4. Turn so that the fold is away from you.
  5. Roll the napkin inwards from the right, tucking in the end to faster.

Bonus: Try the Water Lily on Your Own!

  1. Lay the napkin flat.
  2. Fold each corner to the center, crossing it carefully.
  3. Fold in the new corners to the center and again. Three times in all.
  4. Turn the napkin over.
  5. Fold corners into the center once more, holding them down with your hand.
  6. While holding the center in position carefully bring up each point from underneath. (Three sets of points.)
  7. Your water lily will hold a dinner roll or a tangerine, or even the glass or dish containing your starter course.