6 Ways to Style Your Napkins and Elevate the Tablescape

A beautifully considered table is never without its details – something we’ve come to appreciate through years of event styling. It’s the quiet gestures that speak volumes. And few are more often overlooked than the humble napkin. Sure, you could let it rest on the plate – unmoved, quietly functional. But styled just so, it becomes more than utility – it becomes expression. A silken fold cascading like petals, or an organic shape blooming from a glass – these sculptural touches bring depth and movement to the setting. From crisp origami lines to soft, spontaneous flourishes, let us inspire you to reimagine the napkin.

Header Image: Lory Labossiere

Origami-Inspired Folds

It’s often the smallest gestures that leave the most lasting impression. A fold. A shape. A form that stays with you – subtle, sculptural, and quietly poetic. During our time in Kyoto, our creative director Karissa became quietly entranced by the art of origami – the way a single piece of cloth can transform into something ceremonial and considered.

The word origami comes from the Japanese ori (to fold) and kami (paper). First appearing in the 6th century, it was initially used for ceremonial purposes in temples. At a time when paper was a precious material, origami was a practice reserved for the elite – woven into weddings, rituals, and sacred occasions.

Translated to the table, these folds become more than functional. They invite pause. Each pleat pressed gently into place, each shape styled with intention – evoking flowers, birds, or a softened sense of geometry. A detail that doesn’t call attention to itself, but quietly holds it.

And as with many Japanese traditions, there’s meaning layered into the making. It’s said that folding 1,000 paper cranes (senbazuru) grants a wish. The crane, in Japanese culture, stands for longevity, healing, and good fortune – a quiet reminder that beauty, when repeated with care, becomes something enduring.

Effortlessly Stuffed and Scrunched

There’s beauty in the undone. This no-fuss napkin fold skips the pleats and precision in favour of volume, movement and spontaneity. Simply gathered and nestled into glassware, the folds feel organic – almost floral – bringing height and softness to your tablescape without a single crease or press. Ideal for long lunches, lavish dinners and last-minute soirées where ease is part of the elegance. No prep, no steam – just a simple styling gesture with visual impact.

Chic & Structured

There’s something quietly mesmerising about repetition – the gentle order of pleats, the way form and structure can create a sense of stillness. This fold embraces exactly that: poised yet soft, composed but never overly formal. Reminiscent of 1960s sculptural silhouettes or the folded light forms of Isamu Noguchi, it brings a sculptural rhythm to the table. Clustered across a tablescape, each napkin becomes its own design object – chic, structured, and thoughtfully placed. A subtle nod to tradition, reimagined with modern restraint. Elegant in its simplicity. Elevated in its intent.

“Reminiscent of 1960s sculptural silhouettes or the folded light forms of Isamu Noguchi, it brings a sculptural rhythm to the table.”

Elegantly Draped

Let the centrepiece shine. These folds take a quieter role – refined and architectural, almost like a windmill in motion or a still yoga pose mid-breath. Elegant yet understated, they frame the plate without overpowering it, allowing candles, florals, and glassware to take centre stage. A considered fold for tables where simplicity speaks volumes.

Ephemerally Draped

A soft, sweeping gesture that blurs the line between table linen and sculptural detail. Here, napkins are left long and loose – draped like silk ribbons over the edge of the table or tucked through plates with considered ease. Perfect for textured silks and soft fabrics, this style brings fluidity and drama to the setting – catching the light and exaggerating movement. A subtle yet striking statement, especially beautiful for evenings that feel a little more rare. Fitting for the everyday, but just as at home on the kind of night that stays with you.

Rolled

Play around. Let it be light, a little undone – invite friends (or kids) to join in and simply dust napkins into a bowl, letting the folds fall as they may. Rolled napkins offer an effortless, tactile alternative to the traditional fold – unfussy yet full of texture. Punctuate the look with an artful napkin ring to echo your wider tablescape – brass, raw ceramics, linen ties – whatever feels right. Beautiful for laid-back gatherings that still want to feel thoughtful. A reminder that elegance doesn’t have to try too hard.