Autumn couldn’t be any prettier in Pennsylvania this year. The colors are magnificent outdoors and I love to bring them indoors as often as I can. With that in mind, tonight I’m setting my table with the help of a pretty autumn leaf napkin fold.

Autumn Leaf Napkin Fold

Step #1: Starch your napkin. This step is optional, but will help immensely in keeping the folds more permanent. You can use any kind of spray starch or sizing. Just spray your napkin and press with a dry iron until it’s completely dry.

Step #2: Fold your napkin in half diagonally. That was easy enough.

Step #3: Accordion-fold your napkin. This fold is also referred to as a Z-fold. It’s simply a series of parallel folds that go back and forth on themselves. The pleats should be about an inch-and-a-half wide, give or take.

Step #4: Press the folds. This step is optional too, but will make the pleats much crisper and easier to manipulate. I use steam to set the creases. (If I’m using a “slippery” fabric, I sometimes press between each pleat as I fold.)

Step #5: Fold the pleated napkin in half. Fold it so that the pleats are on the outside.

Step #6. Add a napkin ring or secure the base with ribbon or twine. This is optional, but it sure helps keep the pleats where you want them.

Step #7: Fan out the napkin and place it on a dinner plate. Manipulate the folds until you get them just so. Make sure you hold your tongue just right for this step;-)

I am using eight different basic polyester napkins in oranges, reds, yellows, greens, and purples on my autumn table because those are the colors in my plates. Luckily, Bright Settings carries napkins in a multitude of fall colors and fabrics. One of my favorites is our Twill fabric. It is a 50% polyester/50% cotton blend. The cotton makes napkin folding even easier since it has a “memory” when you press it. Twill table linen comes in 20 beautiful colors. The 50/50 blend combines the feel of cotton with the durability of polyester. It washes up great and stands the test of time.

No matter what material you choose (even paper!) you will love the look of the autumn leaf napkin fold on your table. If you have any questions or would like to see swatches of our fabrics, call one of our friendly customer service reps at 800-327-6025. When it comes to autumn tablecloths, Bright Settings has you covered.