Napkin Folding: The Beauty of Making the Ordinary into Extraordinary!

I had the chance to work on a special project this month at the 701 Thomas Road (Old Donald Duck Bottling Co.) building. It was the first church location for Thomas Road Baptist Church. The facility is currently owned by Liberty University and was recently renovated to be an event/reception hall (The Bottling Co. Reception Hall). I had the privilege to help decorate for an open house on April 5, 2014.

It was so much fun working on displays that showcased the ministry and building’s history. One of my favorite photographs is of Mrs. Macel Falwell on her wedding day, April 12, 1958. This portrait of her in her wedding gown is one of elegance and grace! Her gown is now part of the collection at the Jerry Falwell Museum.

In addition to the photograph displays, I assisted with table settings to spark ideas for the dream reception! Each table was decorated in different color table linens with place settings to showcase a particular wedding/reception theme.

I loved learning about the art of napkin folding and making all the various napkins for the tables. Each added the finishing touch to set the tone for the style of the decor. Although these tables were not ordinary by any means, they still became extraordinary with a square of material placed just right!

Brighten up a table with the 2014 color of the year, orchid, and a beautifully set table accented in silver. However, these fancy folded napkins add the right appeal to take the mood to the “WOW” factor! You can make dinner extraordinary too with these fancy napkin folding instruction.

Loving these tall black satin napkins that make a bold statement to any table setting! Easy to create by rolling your napkin from one corner to the other (opposite) corner and then fold in half and tuck in a goblet.

Shaping things up with a bounce of color with green polka dots (green & dots – LOVE!) and square plates. Definitely gives the message of welcome and enjoy your time. So smart to ground it with the gray tone of the table cloth. Very simple to accomplish by taking hold of the center of the (square) napkin. Hold upside down and allow the top four corners to hang/drop down. Then take the center that you are holding and fold it up a few inches and place in the glassware.

Displaying our school/team colors along with monogramed plates. Loving this napkin idea for simple sophistication and a perfect accent to the table setting. It burst with possibilities for any season or occasion as well! Just fold your napkin in three and place the top part of it under the plate and allow the rest of it to hang down. Perfect to add team spirit to your home by using two to three colors of your choice to celebrate a special event. Very easy to create a monogram by writing on inexpensive placemats or chargers under your plate.

Bringing in a little country flare with this setting. Just love the soft blue table cloth and linen napkin folded to hold your flatware, menu or even a personalized note for each of your family members. Amazing how a simple idea can make a lasting impression! Listed as No. 9 of these creative napkin ideas.

Remember to “fold in some fun” to brighten another person’s day! So the next time you sit down to eat or pack that lunch, add a little “extra” to the “ordinary” with a special napkin arrangement!