Over the Counter Etiquette
by Harold Almon
Be at Ease School of Etiquette in Austin
A folded napkin is to be used in setting a creative table. There are many ways to fold a napkin. There are fewer less expensive ways to add ambiance to a table than by adding one. Note: the more formal the meal, the less fancy the napkin fold. A folded napkin, one, or two may be used to decorate an unused corner of a table, as part of a centerpiece, and/or to enhance any serving table.
Each napkin is to be seventeen to twenty-four inches square. A set of twelve is the minimum amount to be acquired. Each napkin is to be made of cotton, a cotton blend, or informally each may be made of paper. A paper towel is to be avoided as a substitute for a napkin.
When a first course is to be served at table, a napkin is set center each place setting. When a first course is to be in place before the time people come to the table, the napkin is to be placed to the left of the forks and untouched by them.
It may be set on the bottom rim of a bread and butter plate placed to the left of any fork. Informally it could be placed in a napkin ring. Note: a different type of napkin ring, or one with a different marking, is to be used for each person at the table.
For a buffet meal, a folded napkin may be placed above each place setting or on a serving table. Very informally, the folded napkin may be placed on the right side of a place setting in a glass. When given a choice, a napkin is to be placed center a place setting. Deviations are to be made only for an alternative aesthetic.
The Triangular Napkin Folds
The triangular napkin fold is the traditional shape used for a luncheon. The seventeen to twenty-four inch square fabric napkin is folded up in half, hem side in, and then folded left into a small square. The squared napkin is folded up diagonally to form a triangle. Stop.
In the triangular fold II, the center top point may be folded back to the bottom edge and pressed.
In the triangular fold III, the napkin may be lifted at the bottom center, folded in half, and stood up, completing the fold options. It may be stacked flat as a triangle and stored for later.
The Rectangular Napkin Fold
The rectangular napkin fold is the traditional shape used for dinner. It may be used for any meal. The seventeen to twenty-four inch square fabric napkin is folded up in half, hem side in, and then folded left into a small square. Then it is folded right in half again to form a rectangle, completing the fold. It can be folded under in thirds to present a more formal look.
The cylindrical fold is an alternate rectangular fold. The napkin is folded into a square. The right width side is folded on top in one third. The left side is folded on top in one third. You are done.
In the cylindrical fold II, the first layer of a squared napkin is folded or rolled down to the bottom. Then it is turned over and the sides are folded under in thirds.
In the cylindrical fold III, the second layer of a squared napkin is folded or rolled down and tucked under the first folded layer, leaving about a half inch of the second layer exposed. The width sides are folded under in thirds.
In the cylindrical fold IV, the third layer is folded or rolled down in the opposite direction, and about a half-inch of layer is left exposed. The sides are folded under in thirds, completing the options of this fold. It is to be stacked and stored - for later. O.K., you can marvel a little. Now go on to the next napkin.
The Fan Napkin Fold
The fan napkin fold is used to add a theme to a meal, and to add a more festive touch to an event. The seventeen to twenty-four inch square fabric napkin is folded left in half, hem side in. The short (width) side is folded into one inch accordion pleats, the total length of the napkin. The napkin is placed in a thin ring, and the top and bottom is let to fan out. Turned in one direction it is a bow tie. Turned in another direction, it is a party wheel.
In fan fold II, the napkin is folded into one-inch accordion pleats up to four inches from the top. Then it is turned over, pleats to the bottom, and folded to the right, pleats to the outside. The flat tip is folded down into a triangle, and is tucked under in the right center pleat. The triangle can be turned up and the napkin unfolded into a fan. It may be stacked, folded in half, in opposite, directions, and stored for use later. If a fan fails to stand, set it up and pinch in the bottom front it.
Alternate Napkins and Folds
A cocktail napkin can be used as a dinner napkin. It may be unfolded until it is in half, and then folded from the top back until the approximate size of a dinner napkin.
A small dinner napkin can be unfolded until it is in half, under in thirds, and then folded from the top back until it is the approximate size of a rectangle napkin.
An irregular shaped paper towel can be fold under until square like, the folded into a rectangular fold. It tip may be folded back on top again to provide another look.
Avoid a paper napkin on a table looking like it did when it came out of the box. The above admittedly is more creative than correct.
