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How to Fold Napkins into Christmas Trees

This easy to follow guide shows how to fold napkins into Christmas trees to bring a little Christmas cheer to your dinner table.

It’s really simple to do and I created a collage to show you in pictures exactly how to fold your napkins into Christmas trees.

How to Fold Napkins into Christmas Trees

Materials You’ll Need for Christmas Napkin Folding

Before you begin folding napkins into Christmas trees, gather the following materials:

  • Napkins: Cloth napkins work best for creating sturdy folds, but paper napkins also work well for casual settings.
  • Accessories: Add ribbons, bows, or mini ornaments to enhance the design.
  • Flat Surface: A clean, flat surface ensures precise folds.
How to Fold Napkins Like Christmas Trees: Step-by-Step Guide with visuals

How to Fold Napkins Like Christmas Trees

A great way to add a little cheer to your dinner is to set your table with napkins folded into Christmas Trees.

Step 1: Fold Napkin in Half

The first step in creating a Christmas tree napkin is to fold the napkin in half, as seen in step one of the photo instructions above.

Step 2: Fold Napkin in Half Again

Next, fold the napkin in half, longways.

Step 3: Fold Again

Then fold again, this should make a square shape.

Step 4:Turn the Napkin

Next, turn your napkin so that the loose edges are on the bottom.

Step 5: Fold Loose Ends

Begin folding the loose ends up staggering the ends and leaving spaces in between each fold.

Step 6: Flip the Napkin Over

Flip the whole napkin over being careful not to unfold the staggered edges.

Step 7:Fold the Corners

Fold the bottom corners inward ending at the top two corners.

Step 8: Flip the Napkin Again

Flip the napkin over again and once again be careful to not unfold what you have already done.

Step 9: Finish the Christmas Tree Shaped Napkin

You could be done here or you can finish it off by folding the top triangle up and then folding the rest of the edges and tucking them into the fold above until you reach the bottom.

Step 10: Style for Your Holiday Table

Add a bow or ribbon and your napkins are now folded into festive Christmas Trees!

How to Fold a napkin into a Christmas Tree

Why Fold Napkins into Christmas Trees?

Christmas Tree Napkins are so much fun to create and it can be one of your family’s favorite traditions!

Napkin folding is an easy way to add festive charm to your dinner table without spending extra money. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or simply want to surprise your family with a beautiful table setting, Christmas napkin folding is the perfect touch.

You may also like these: Budget Christmas Decorating Ideas

Tips for Perfect Christmas Tree Napkins

1. Choose the Right Material

For the best results, use cloth napkins with a slightly stiff texture. Fabrics like linen or cotton hold their shape better and make your folds crisp and long-lasting. If you’re using paper napkins, opt for high-quality, thicker ones to avoid tearing during the folding process.

2. Use Ironed Napkins

Wrinkle-free napkins create cleaner folds that look polished and professional. Be sure to iron your napkins before folding to eliminate creases and give your Christmas tree napkin a seamless finish.

3. Practice First

Napkin folding is an art that takes a little patience. Test your folding skills a few times to perfect the design before setting your table. This ensures all your napkins will look uniform and festive.

4. Play with Colors

Classic Look: Use green napkins for a traditional Christmas tree aesthetic.

Modern Vibe: Experiment with colors like red, gold, silver, or even plaid patterns for a unique holiday table setting.

Two-Tone Trees: Layer two napkins of contrasting colors (e.g., green and white) to create a visually stunning multi-colored Christmas tree design.

5. Add Decorative Accents

Tuck a small gold or silver star ornament at the top of your napkin tree for an extra festive touch.

Use miniature ribbons, bells, or holiday-themed napkin rings to accessorize and enhance the overall holiday vibe.

Place a candy cane or sprig of holly next to the napkin for added charm and functionality.

6. Match Your Table Decor

Coordinate your napkins with your table settings. For example:

Use napkins that match your table runner, placemats, or centerpiece.

Incorporate metallic tones for a chic and elegant holiday table, or go rustic with burlap accents and natural greenery.

7. Use Sturdy Fold Holds

To ensure your folds stay intact throughout the meal, lightly press each fold as you go, and avoid overly handling the finished design. For extra security, use a small paperclip at the back (hidden from view) to hold the layers in place.

More Christmas Crafts

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About Thirty Something Super Mom

Melissa Dixon Thirty Something Super Mom
Thirty Something Super Mom | Website |  + posts

My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.

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Deshawn Keiner

Friday 11th of December 2015

The napkin folding reminds me of when I worked at a restaurant. They taught us how to fold napkins to look like tress during Christmas. I haven't thought to do this at m home but it would look really nice on my dining room table Christmas morning. I have always told myself that I would get a Sams Club membership but I always end up getting a BJ's one instead. Only because of the travel time to BJs verses the time it would take me to get to Sam Club. The family meal does look very good and would be something great for my family. Thank you for sharing

Tonya+C

Friday 11th of December 2015

That is such a cute idea! Maybe I'll try that this year on the kids' table. I'm sure they will get a kick out of that!

Melissa

Friday 11th of December 2015

I bet they would love it for the first few seconds and then unfold it and ask you to fold it again for them. By the time the party is over everyone will know how to fold it like this. lol

Amy+Orvin

Wednesday 9th of December 2015

What a cute Christmas tree napkin. I am no good at folding napkins, so thanks for showing me.

LEX

Tuesday 8th of December 2015

now this is awesome, i will give this a try and see how i can perform in making mine... thanks for sharing..

Kate

Sunday 6th of December 2015

These are so cute! I always love creative ways to fold napkins to make a the table setting special!