| Linens and Napkins for a Table Setting |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-412 |
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Q: I'd like to learn the basics of setting up for a party. Can Jeanne offer me any tips? A: (from Ask DIY Entertaining expert Jeanne Benedict) One of the secrets for making a party look as if a pro put it together lies in the presentation of the tablecloths and napkins. Following are some tablecloth suggestions and step-by-step instructions for folding napkins.
Tablecloths and Skirts - To box a tablecloth or table drape, gather any excess cloth at the sides and pull it back to conceal it with a neat fold, while taking care to get an even edge across the bottom (figure A).
- Once you've gathered the material at the side, use straight pins to fasten the folded end at the table's edge (figure B). Be sure that the points of the pins face toward the center of the table so that they don't snag on clothing if people brush against the table.
- To skirt a table, consider using a lightweight material such as gray chiffon (figure C). Fold the fabric so that the edges hit the floor evenly, then fasten it at the edges of the table with straight pins as described above. Place the pins about 6" apart.
- Once you've fastened the material all the way around the front three sides of the table, pull the top portion over and let it drape as shown (figure D) for an elegant look.
- Using two coordinating colors to box and skirt a table makes for an eye-pleasing combination.
Napkin-Folding: Accordion Style
- Important: For folding napkins, use cotton napkins -- not polyester blend -- or they won't hold a fold.
- One style of napkin fold that is simple but nevertheless striking in appearance is an accordion fold. This style is particularly well suited for lunch tables. Begin by folding the napkin in half, then make 1" back-and-forth pleat folds to create the accordion effect (figure E).
- Once you reach the edge of the napkin, pinch it in the middle and fold it up, and in half (figure F).
- Place the accordion-folded napkin in the water glass to hold it in form (figure G).
Rose Napkin Fold
- Start with the napkin laid out flat, and fold the four corners into the center (figure H).
- With all four corners folded to the center, repeat the process -- folding the four new corners into the center (figure I).
- Flip the napkin over (figure J), and repeat the process for a third time -- folding the four new corners on the reverse side into the center (figure K).
- With the napkin held in this configuration by holding the center down, pull each corner flap out from underneath (figure L) to form the rose shape.
- For an added touch, insert a real flower blossom in the center of the folded napkin (figure M).
Bird-of-Paradise Napkin Fold
- For a more advanced fold, try the popular bird of paradise. Begin by folding the napkin into quarters, so that all of the loose flaps are at one corner (figure N).
- Fold the quarter-folded napkin over to form a triangle (figure O). Turn the napkin so that the flaps are on the top, facing away from you.
- Fold the ends of the triangle in identically to the center so that they point toward you (figure P) -- much like folding a paper airplane.
- Tuck those points underneath (figure Q), then fold the napkin in half (figure R).
- Hold the napkin firmly in this folded configuration with one hand, and use the other hand to pull the loose flaps up one at a time (figure S) to form the bird of paradise (figure T).
RESOURCES :
Guests Without Grief: Entertaining Made Easy for the Hesitant Host
Model: 0684818841
Author: Paula Jhung
218 pages
(April 1997)
Brunch Entertaining
Model: 0737020105
Author: Janeen A. Sarlin
(1999)
Decorating for Dining and Entertaining: 128 Projects and Ideas
Model: 0865733694
Author: Home Decorating
The Art of the Cocktail Party : The Complete Guide to Sophisticated Entertaining
Model: 0452272351
Author: Leslie Brenner
Entertaining 1-2-3: More Than 300 Recipes for Food and Drink Using Only 3 Ingredients
Model: 0316320153
Author: Rozanne Gold
(1999)
Little Brown and Company (Time Warner, Inc.)
New York, NY 10020
Phone: 212-522-8700
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