How to Fold Napkins for Napkin Rings

What You’ll Need

Cloth or paper napkins (square, at least 18 inches for cloth)
Napkin rings (any style)
Iron and ironing board (for cloth napkins)
Optional: a flat surface and your hands

Step-by-Step

Press the napkin. Iron cloth napkins on a flat surface so they are completely smooth. Paper napkins should be unfolded and flattened with your hands.
Fold in half diagonally. Bring one corner to the opposite corner to form a triangle. Make sure the edges line up evenly.
Fold the long edge up. Take the long folded edge of the triangle and fold it up about 2 inches (5 cm) toward the point. Press the fold down firmly.
Fold again. Fold the same edge up another 2 inches (5 cm), creating a layered band. This band will be the part that goes through the ring.
Slide the ring over the band. Hold the folded napkin with the band facing you. Slide the napkin ring over the band, positioning it in the center or slightly off-center as you prefer.
Adjust and fluff. Gently pull the point of the napkin up and outward to create a fan shape. Adjust the ring so it sits at the desired height, and fluff the folds for a fuller look.

Common Mistakes

Wrinkled napkins: Skipping the ironing step makes the folds look sloppy and the ring may not slide on smoothly.
Uneven folds: Not aligning the edges when folding the triangle or the band creates a lopsided result.
Ring too tight: Forcing a ring over a thick fold can stretch or break the ring. Use a thinner fold or a larger ring.
Over-fluffing: Pulling the napkin too aggressively can pull it out of the ring or distort the shape.

Tips

For a more formal look, use starch when ironing to give the napkin extra body.
If you don’t have an iron, hang the napkin in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes to relax wrinkles.
Try different shapes: a simple roll (fold napkin in half, roll from one end, slide ring over the center) or a pocket fold (fold into a rectangle, then fold up the bottom edge) work well with rings.
Match the ring style to the occasion: wooden rings for casual, silver or gold for formal.
For paper napkins, use a lighter touch to avoid tearing.

Troubleshooting

The ring won’t fit over the napkin. If the fold is too thick, unfold the napkin and make the band narrower (fold only 1 inch at a time). Alternatively, choose a larger ring or a thinner napkin.

The napkin falls out of the ring. This usually happens when the band is too thin or the ring is too loose. Fold the band wider (3 inches instead of 2) or use a smaller ring. Also make sure the band is pressed flat.

The fan shape collapses. If the napkin doesn’t hold its shape, it may be too flimsy. Use a stiffer fabric or add starch. You can also gently pull the layers apart to create more friction.

The napkin looks lopsided. Unfold and start over, ensuring each fold is even. Take your time to align edges perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of napkin?

Yes, but cloth napkins work best because they hold folds better. Paper napkins are fine for casual use but may tear if folded too tightly.

How do I fold a napkin for a ring if it’s not square?

Most napkins are square, but if yours is rectangular, fold it in half to make a square first, then proceed with the steps.

What is the easiest fold for a napkin ring?

The easiest is the simple roll: fold the napkin in half, roll it from one end to the other, and slide the ring over the middle. This takes less than a minute.

How do I keep the napkin ring from sliding off?

Make the band of the fold thicker or use a ring with a smaller diameter. You can also place the ring closer to the folded edge to create more friction.

Can I use napkin rings with paper napkins?

Yes, but choose thinner paper napkins and fold them gently. Avoid over-stuffing the ring to prevent tearing.

How do I store napkins with rings?

Stack them flat or stand them upright in a drawer. To avoid creases, you can roll them loosely and store them in a container.

Sources: General etiquette and home-keeping guides. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.