Holidays are coming! It’s time to start thinking about your Christmas table.
Christmas napkins are essential for every Christmas table, whether it's to tuck in Christmas jumpers, mop up spilt gravy, or clean sticky hands, but that doesn’t mean they can’t look pretty too!
With these Christmas napkin folding ideas, you can add the finishing touches to your Christmas table in style.
Find tutorials for Christmas tree napkins, bows, elf shoes and hats, and much more. You’ll discover plenty of ways to add a sparkle to your Christmas meal.
Every tutorial in our list can be accessed for free, and most have helpful step-by-step videos, so all you need is a stack of napkins and your creativity!
15 Christmas napkin folding ideas for your festive feast
1. Christmas tree napkin folding idea
We’re starting with a classic. A Christmas tree napkin is the dazzling finishing touch every table needs. It’s classy yet fun.
This simple napkin folding tutorial from Country Living will show you how to fold a perfect Christmas tree.
2. Star napkin folding idea
A bright star has long been a symbol of Christmas. Recreate a shining star with DIY Magazine’s gorgeous Christmas star napkin folding tutorial.
It might look complex, but it can be done in just three stages.
3. Elf hat napkin tutorial
You’ve heard of Elf on a Shelf! But if you want to make your Christmas table full of magic and fun for the kids, these elf hats will do the trick!
Squire’s Garden Centres has created a step-by-step video tutorial that’s a delight to make.
For an extra touch, why not invite a real elf to your table too? Use our Christmas elf sewing pattern and make your very own Elf on the Shelf.
4. Elf shoes tutorial
From hats to shoes, we’ll have the whole elf wardrobe at this rate! Make these lovely elf shoes to pitter-patter around on your Christmas dinner table.
Follow along with Moin Liz’s video tutorial. Remember to switch on the English subtitles!
5. Turkey napkin folding
This one works for both Thanksgiving and Christmas tables. The turkey is the centre of the table, so fold your napkins to match.
This quick tutorial from Martha Stewart will delight dinner guests
6. Simple Christmas napkin folding
Go simple yet elegant with this napkin idea from Maitp. Follow along with their easy video tutorial and make your Christmas table look festive yet classy.
7. Angel napkin folding for Christmas
Another iconic symbol of Christmas is the angel. Usually, she’ll sit atop your tree but with this napkin folding technique from Creative Kitchen, she can join you at the dinner table.
8. Pinecone Christmas napkin folding idea
This one is a bit different! Instead of folding individual napkins for each place setting you’ll combine them to build a giant pinecone for the centre of your table.
It looks complicated but actually, it’s just a simple fold repeated and stacked.
Have a go at the pinecone napkin folding with Moco Choco.
9. Poinsettia napkin folding idea
Poinsettias are a symbol of Christmas and a beautiful winter bloom! They make fantastic subjects for napkin folding, and they look both festive and sophisticated.
Follow along with the free video tutorial from Sweet Home Delights.
Fancy napkin folding ideas
Make your table extra glam with these fancy napkin folding ideas.
10. Big red bow Christmas napkin folding
Keep it classic with this supersized Christmas bow from Apartment Therapy which will impress even the most stubborn guests.
11. Napkin box
This one is a bit more unusual but really fun! You’ll need paper napkins which you’ll fold into a box shape using Ngylo Creations guide.
Once you’re finished you can fill the boxes with favours of your choice, like sweets, chocolates, foliage or toys for kids.
They could even be used as an eco-friendly alternative to shop-bought crackers.
12. Snowflake napkin folding idea
Make it a white Christmas with Ranzkie’s snowflake napkin tutorial. Use blue or white napkins to make this beautiful fold!
They’re ideal for making your Christmas table look like a winter wonderland.
13. Santa hat Christmas napkin folding idea
Celebrate the big man himself with these fun Santa hat napkins created by Folding And Art Tutorial.
They’re easy to make and will be a welcome addition to your table, especially for the kids!
14. Rose napkin folding idea
Take inspiration from an elegant winter rose with this beautifully simple tutorial by Made by Fate.
These roses will add a romantic touch to your Christmas dinner.
15. Christmas bell napkin folding idea
“Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?”. Incorporate Christmas bells into your dinner table with this fun tutorial from Creative Kitchen.
These work particularly well with polka-dot fabric napkins.
Christmas napkin ideas to delight your guests
There’s so many ways to fold your Christmas napkins, from sophisticated bows to cutesy elf shoes that are fun for kids.
Whatever you choose, just know your guests will be impressed this year!
Make Christmas homemade with Gathered
We’ve got over 400 amazing Christmas crafts that will make this December extra special.
