A simple yet striking napkin fold that brings instant holiday charm to your table — this candy cane napkin fold is perfect for Christmas gatherings, festive brunches, or cozy winter dinners.
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There’s something undeniably joyful about setting the table for the holidays, and small details can make all the difference.
This candy cane napkin fold is one of those delightful finishing touches — simple to make, instantly recognizable, and festive without being fussy.
Whether you're hosting a big Christmas dinner, a holiday brunch with friends, or a winter party at work or school, this napkin fold adds an easy pop of holiday spirit to your place settings.
This fold works especially well with paper napkins, making it budget-friendly and low effort, but you can use cloth napkins too if you'd like a more dressed-up look.
It’s also a great craft to involve kids in — especially if they’re helping you prep for a holiday meal or class party.
Pair it with a ribbon in red, gold, or green, and you’ve got a table-ready candy cane in minutes.
Use this candy cane napkin fold to dress up place settings, tuck into mugs for a festive display, or line up on a buffet table for a decorative touch.
It’s also ideal for casual gatherings and formal dinners alike, making it a go-to fold for any style of celebration.
This Christmas napkin folding idea is also great because it can be made in advance, but it is also quick enough to make at the last minute too.
Why You'll Love This Pattern
- Perfect for Christmas and winter-themed parties
- Super easy — no tricky folding required
- Works great with paper or cloth napkins
- Adds a festive, playful touch to your table
- Budget-friendly and quick to make
- Fun to do with kids or as a group activity
Skill Level
★☆☆☆☆ (Very Easy)
Materials Needed
- Standard Square Paper Napkins.
- Recommended size: 5 inches x 5 inches (12.5 cm x 12.5 cm)
For this candy cane napkin fold it is important that you get napkins that are white on one side and colored or patterned on the other.
Note: a candy cane napkin fold made with 5 inches x 5 inches (12.5 cm x 12.5 cm) paper napkins makes a napkin fold that is about 10 inches x 5 inches (25 cm x 12 cm).
Instructions
Note: For this napkin fold you will want to use a paper napkin that is white on one side and colored/patterned on the other.
If you can’t get napkins like this, you could always use two napkins (one white and one colored/patterned) and place them together.
Step 1: Open out your napkin. Typically, napkins come folded into quarters. When you unfold your napkin, it should fold out into a larger square with 2 creases which divide the napkin into 4 smaller squares.
Start with the main color you want your candy cane to be facing down. Arrange your napkin to sit like a diamond shape as shown.
Step 2: Fold the bottom point up towards the top point, leaving a gap of about 0.40 inches (1 cm).
Step 3: Flip your napkin over from left to right.
Step 4: Fold the bottom edge up slightly. The width of this fold is up to you, just don’t make it too narrow.
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Step 5: Once again, fold the bottom edge up, along the edge of the fold you made in the previous step.
Step 6: Continue to fold the bottom edge up until you reach the top edge.
Step 7: Fold the right edge down slightly as shown.
Step 8: Rotate your napkin so it sits as shown.
Step 9: Fold the top tip down slightly.
Step 10: Tie a ribbon around your napkin where all the folds meet. This will help hold the napkin together. Completed candy cane napkin fold.
Tip: to help your candy cane napkin fold hold it’s shape, once folded place it under something heavy like a book.
Tips For Success
- Use napkins that hold a crease well — stiffer paper works better.
- You can lightly press your folds with your fingers as you go to help hold the shape
Common Mistakes & How To Avoid Them
- Napkin won’t hold shape? Make sure you’re using a napkin that’s not too soft or slippery
- Ends look uneven? Take a moment to adjust and align your edges before folding
Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations
- Red or striped napkins – for a classic candy cane look
- Green napkins – pair with red ribbon for a fun Christmas contrast
- Gold or silver napkins – adds a touch of glam for more formal gatherings
- Patterned napkins – snowflakes, stars, or holly patterns can be really cute
- Name tag tied into the ribbon – makes the fold double as a place card
- Mini jingle bell or charm – tie one into the bow for an extra festive touch
FAQ
Yes! Cloth works well — just make sure it’s pressed and not too thick. A light iron between folds can help.
The ribbon helps hold the shape and gives it that candy cane look, but you could use twine or even a small paper band instead.
It’s meant to lie flat or be placed in a cup or on a plate, not to stand on its own.
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