Napkin or serviette: what is the difference?

6 more ideas: napkin rings, bows and a diagonal cutlery pocket

These six arrangements give the same square cloth napkin a different look. Try one with your own napkin and plate first: fabric thickness and ring size affect the result. Iron or mangle according to the napkin's care instructions. Rings, twine and sprigs are separate table decorations.

1. Relaxed napkin-ring arrangement

A broad napkin ring gathers soft folds while both ends open freely.

1. Fold the napkin loosely in half. Offset the corners slightly for an airy look.
2. Gather the long sides towards the centre in a few loose folds.
3. Pass one end through the ring and slide the ring towards the middle.
4. Lay the napkin on the plate and gently spread both ends. Keep the hems visible and avoid a tight ring.

2. Pointed diamond arrangement

A clear upper point and a tapered lower tail create a neat, balanced shape.

1. Fold the napkin in half, then in half again to form a smaller square.
2. Rotate the square into a diamond with one corner pointing towards you.
3. Gather the sides lightly just below the centre. Pass the lower point through a napkin ring.
4. Position the ring around the lower third. Open the upper section wide and leave the lower point visible.

3. Twine-tied dried-grass arrangement

Loose folds and one dry grass stem add a natural detail to the setting.

1. Fold the napkin loosely in half and offset the top layer so the upper corners separate.
2. Gather the cloth into soft folds just below the centre.
3. Wrap thin twine twice around the gathered section and tie an easy-to-undo knot.
4. Slip one clean, non-shedding grass stem under the twine. Spread the upper section like a loose fan and straighten the shorter lower end.

4. Bow fold with a napkin ring

Even pleats and a central ring form a horizontal bow.

1. Fold the napkin in half into a rectangle.
2. Starting at a long edge, make loose accordion pleats about 3–4 cm wide.
3. Slide the pleated napkin through a ring and centre the ring.
4. Lay it horizontally on the plate. Open both ends equally into bow-shaped wings.

5. Green-sprig arrangement

Light twine and a small green sprig suit a simple, natural table.

1. Fold the napkin loosely in half, leaving the corners slightly separated.
2. Gather soft folds at the centre and wrap thin twine around them.
3. Tie loosely and slip a small clean olive sprig or another suitable green table decoration under the twine.
4. Spread both ends over the plate. Keep the sprig easy to remove before the napkin is placed on the guest's lap.

6. Diagonal cutlery pocket with two folds

Two diagonal bands keep the arrangement neat with the tops of the cutlery showing.

1. Fold the napkin into quarters with the free corners at the upper right.
2. Turn the top corner towards the bottom left and fold that layer into a narrow diagonal band.
3. Fold the next layer in the same direction, leaving its folded edge about 2–3 cm above the first band. Keep the two bottom layers in place.
4. Carefully turn the napkin over. Fold both sides behind it, overlapping into a rectangle, then turn it face up.
5. Slip clean cutlery into the pocket: fork on the left, knife on the right with the blade facing the fork. Straighten the diagonal edges.

With an embroidered napkin, keep the decorated corner uppermost and position the ring or twine beside the motif. Loosen the folds if necessary to reveal the embroidery. Use clean decorations that do not shed and are easy to remove. If food is already on the plate, place the napkin alongside it.