Add a touch of sophistication to your table settings with this rectangle fan napkin fold!
Perfect for any occasion, from weddings to Mother's Day or even Christmas, this elegant fold creates a stunning visual appeal with its fan-like design.
Whether you're hosting a formal event or a casual dinner, this easy napkin fold will definitely impress your guests.
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Looking to add a refined touch to your next special occasion?
This rectangle fan napkin fold is a perfect choice. This napkin fold is elegant and stylish, featuring a fan design on one side of the rectangle napkin.
The unique shape adds an element of interest to your table settings, making it ideal for events like weddings, Mother's Day brunches, Easter, Christmas, and other celebrations.
Whether you're hosting an intimate gathering or a large party, this fold will help add a special touch to your décor and make your table look truly special.
This rectangle fan napkin fold can be easily made with any rectangle napkin, giving you flexibility in choosing colors and textures that match your event’s color palette.
Whether you're working with luxurious linen napkins or simple paper ones, the design works beautifully with both, making it a versatile option for all types of events and occasions.
Why You'll Love This Pattern
- Ideal for a variety of occasions – Perfect for weddings, Mother’s Day, Christmas, Easter, and other celebratory events.
- Easy to create – A simple yet impactful design that anyone can master.
- Beautiful addition to your table settings – Adds a sophisticated, unique touch to your place settings.
- Flexible with napkin material – Works well with linen napkins, paper napkins, and even fabric options, making it versatile for any event.
- Can be made in advance.
- Impress your guests – A stunning way to bring style to your next dinner party or holiday gathering.
- Perfect for beginners – Ideal for those new to napkin folding but still want a beautiful result.
Skill Level
★☆☆☆☆ (Very Easy)
Materials Needed
Standard square paper napkins.
Napkin Type: Use sturdy yet foldable paper napkins.
Note: Thin napkins may lose their shape, while thicker ones may be harder to crease neatly.
You can use small, medium, or large square paper napkins.
Instructions
Step 1: Open out your napkin.
Typically, napkins come folded into quarters, so when you open out your napkin it should fold out into a larger square with 2 creases which divide the napkin into 4 smaller squares.
Start with the outside color (such as the colored side or patterned side) of the napkin facing down.
Step 2: Fold the left edge to the right edge.
Step 3: Fold the bottom edge up slightly. Don’t make it too wide, we recommend no more than about 0.40 inches (1 cm).
Step 4: Flip your napkin over from left to right. The fold you made in the previous step should still be at the bottom.
Step 5: Fold the bottom edge up again to the same width you made in step 3.
Step 6: Flip your napkin over from left to right.
Step 7: Repeat steps 3 to 6.
Step 8: Fold up the bottom edge one more time.
Step 9: Flip your napkin over from left to right.
Step 10: Fold up the bottom edge again.
Step 11: Flip your paper over from left to right.
Step 12: For the final time, fold the bottom edge up. Make sure you have some unfolded napkin left over on the top. If you don't, unfold your napkin by one or two steps, making sure the final folds are on top of your napkin as shown.
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Step 13: Flip your paper over from left to right.
Step 14: Fold your napkin in half from left to right.
Step 15: Lift the bottom part of your napkin up so that it opens out the folds you made.
Step 16: Adjust the folds as desired. Completed rectangle fan napkin fold.
Tip: In step 15, if you flip your napkin over and then open out the fan, it will be on the opposite side.
Tips For Success
- Choose a contrasting color – Using a napkin in a color that contrasts with your tablecloth will make the fold stand out more.
- Use starch – Lightly starching fabric napkins can help them hold their shape better and give a more polished finish.
- Add a decorative touch – Consider tying the base of the fold with a ribbon or using a napkin ring to further enhance the look.
- Make it symmetrical – Ensure that both sides of the fan are even to create a balanced and neat appearance.
- Play with sizes – Larger napkins will give a more dramatic fan effect, while smaller napkins work well for more intimate settings.
Common Mistakes & How To Avoid Them
- Uneven folds – Be sure to fold each section of the fan carefully, making sure each part is the same size to keep the symmetry intact.
- Using too thick a napkin – Thick fabric napkins may not fold as crisply as thinner ones, so choose a fabric that holds a shape well without being too stiff.
- Forgetting to iron – For the neatest look, especially with fabric napkins, ironing them beforehand will ensure they fold more easily and look crisp. You don’t need to iron paper napkins. We don’t recommend this. Just press the creases firmly if using paper napkins.
Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations
- For weddings – Choose classic ivory, white, or blush pink napkins for a formal touch, or add gold or silver accents for a luxurious finish.
- For Mother’s Day – Soft pastel colors like lavender, mint green, or peach will create a warm, loving atmosphere.
- For Christmas or Easter – Go for red, green, or gold napkins for a festive touch. You can even use napkins with a patterned design for added interest.
- For birthdays and casual parties – Bright colors like yellow, turquoise, or fuchsia will add fun to the celebration.
- Seasonal themes – Consider using fall-themed napkins for Thanksgiving, or soft spring florals for a fresh and vibrant look.
FAQ
Yes! Paper napkins work perfectly for this fold, especially if you're hosting a large event or need to keep things simple. They hold the shape well and add a fun, easy-going look to your table settings.
Yes! You can experiment with different napkin sizes depending on the look you're going for. Larger napkins will create a bigger, more dramatic fan, while smaller ones are perfect for more intimate settings.
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