Napkins are not only a useful but very important part of setting a table. They tidy us up as we eat but they can also bring interest and fun and beauty to any table we set!
Why settle for paper napkins when there are so many gorgeous and inexpensive napkin alternatives!
Today, as part of our HOW TO SET A BEAUTIFUL TABLE series, we will look at 5 interesting ways napkins can not only be useful but beautiful as well...
1. DOUBLE NAPKINS
This is probably the way I use napkins the very most. The are so fluffy and pretty and real attention getters! Who knew that putting two napkins together could make such a difference... well, it does!
In this daisy inspired table a crisp white napkin was doubled with a cherry yellow napkin I made just for this table.
This nautical table with it's clean lines benefits from a bit of fluff the double napkins bring!
A simple swath of burlap covers a white cotton napkin, adding an organic feel to this sweet early spring tablescape.
2. FOLD NAPKINS INTO PRETTY DESIGNS
The internet is full of fun ways to fold napkins. With just a little practice a plain napkin can become the star of the table!
This rose is really an unironed hot pink napkin! Soooo easy to fold!
A fan folded napkin is so traditional and says... this is a fancy dinner! Here I used fan folded napkins for a formal Easter Dinner.
Pearls and an easy pleated napkin compliments the pretty lilacs for a Mother's Day luncheon on the porch!
Folding napkins into pretty forms can be very simple and have a stunning effect!
3. LET NAPKINS BE PART OF THE STACK
Just like I love love love to stack dishes...and I love napkins to be a part of the stack, too. This is such an easy way to make napkins work with your tablescape!
I chose 3 outdoor settings to highlight dish and napkin stacks. Easy-peasy!
Red napkins folded into squares are so simple and add a pop of holiday color to this stack of dishes!
These beautiful organic feeling napkins are folded and tucked between the dishes. I love the simple, yet refined look!
Here's the simplest way to make napkins a part of a tablescape! In this year's outdoor Thanksgiving table I tucked white napkins between two plates. They looks so clean! A very chic way to use these napkins!
3. USE FABULOUS NAPKIN RINGS
I don't have many napkin rings... but those I do have I use over and over again! I always get them on sale if they catch my eye and spark my imagination!
Aren't these feather napkin rings wild? I must admit they are my favorite! So fun and so flashy!!!
If you don't have napkin rings or they are out of your budget... make your own!!!
I used a felt posy diy to create this book page flower napkin ring for a book club dinner. We talked more about them than the book!
I was given a set of silver napkin rings for a wedding gift... eons ago... and still use them. In this tablescape I wrapped a branch of flowering bridal veil around them for an extra special effect.
4. USE NAPKINS AS CONVERSATION STARTERS
Now let's have some fun!!!
I've discovered how easy it is to make my own designs on white napkins!
They are so fun for my guests! These napkins are sure to start the whole table talking!
Here I printed questions on white napkins... boy did we have a chatty table!!!
I'm always on the look-out for good quality white napkins that are on sale! I have so many ideas for creating my own designs!
Aren't these Halloween napkins and napkin ring so cute!
5. USE MONOGRAMMED NAPKINS
And of course I have saved the most classic napkins for last. MONOGRAMS! It does not get any better.
Monogrammed napkin exude style!
I just have one set of monogrammed napkins and I use them so often!
So why use paper napkins when there are so many wonderful ways to use the real deal?
If you have missed the other posts in this series you might want to check them out...
Look for 2 more upcoming posts in this series.
Happy Tablescaping!
Remember to
Did not disappoint!! I am a big supporter of using cloth napkins. Have been married for 23 years and have always used them even when the lads were little. So convenient. Never doubled mine up though... will have to try that . So pretty and showy!
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday Yvonne.
Hugs, Gee
Everything you do is just stunning Yvonne, and this one holds true. Beautiful as always :)
ReplyDeleteYvonne, your tables always look so beautiful, and the napkins shown today were lovely. I started my birthday gift wish list, twelve white monogrammed napkins. I'm definitely pinning today's post. Thank you. Enjoy reading and admiring your posts daily.
ReplyDeleteLovely look back, Yvonne! You are so right, never use paper or plastic utensils unless you absolutely have no choice. I even bring stainless steel to the beach! I can't stand plastic utensils, esp when they break and the food flies across the table, lol! I just love those yellow napkins! I do find when I double them for guests they are perplexed, but for blogging, they are fun!
ReplyDeleteThese ideas are fabulous. I love using cloth napkins. It is a nice and and easy way to make a meal special.
ReplyDeleteLove this - you are the Queen of setting a beautiful table.
ReplyDelete:D Lovely tables, and the napkins and rings make each special. I'd be hard pressed to choose one I like best, but I must say that the rose napkin in the tea cup is adorable. (:
ReplyDeleteYvonne I am blown away, especially because you actually used these designs in your entertaining! Bravo!!
ReplyDeleteI have pinned many for continued inspiration!
xoxo
Karena
Artist William Glackens
Beautiful, beautiful tablescapes. Thank you Yvonne, i always enjoy reading your posts. i feel the same way about fabric napkins, I started buying vintage ones about 30 years ago and they really add class to the plainest everyday china. Looking forward to the next beauty!
ReplyDeleteI love all of them -
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful...You have such a beautiful way with everything you do.
Happy Weekend.....
Rose
Yvonne, every one of your tablescapes are simply beautiful! Thanks for so many creative ideas!
ReplyDeletelove and blessings~
Lynda @ Gates of Crystal
Yvonne- I love all these ideas. I am a sucker for a beautifully decorated table. Your styling is amazing!
ReplyDeleteYour tablescapes are lovely and I love your creativity. I can tell this is one of your favorite things to do. I love being inspired by you. My question is..where or where do you store ALL of your dishes? I was thinking how fun it would be to have all the wonderful colorful dishes….but storage could be a problem. Maybe I could just borrow yours…do you mind sending them to California…lol
ReplyDeleteJpdy. here is a link about my dish closet you might like.
DeleteAs ALWAYS I loooove your ideas, reminder,s inspirations and plain awesomeness. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteHave a GRET weekend, Y!
I am pinning this post. It is one of my favorites, Yvonne. You have an extra decorating flair that always inspires.
ReplyDeleteYvonne, this was an extremely helpful and beautiful post. Would you consider a future post on the best way to launder and care for cloth napkins? I have some but hardly ever use them.
ReplyDeleteYvonne, this was an extremely helpful and beautiful post. Would you consider a future post on the best way to launder and care for cloth napkins? I have some but hardly ever use them.
ReplyDeleteFun post to read and re-look at many of your beautiful tables!
ReplyDeleteYvonne I loved this post so much. I have never even given thought to two napkins for a real pop and pizzazz.
ReplyDeleteI have given away linen napkins in the past. Now I will be collecting them.
Hugs kay
I adore all of your gorgeous napkin designs...and I so remember all of them, especially the "book club" tablescape with that great book page posey...I always wanted to make them and never got around to it...love, love this post!..
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat it would be to be a guest at your table! You put so much love into everything you do, Yvonne!
ReplyDeleteSue V.
Lovely!
ReplyDeleteI'm a press-fold-press or a press-roll-slide in to a napkin ring sort of girl, but there some ideas here that would be just as easy and quick to execute. Perhaps you have just taught and old dog some new tricks! Enjoy the weekend.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post Yvonne with beautiful photos and lots of inspiring information. Makes me want to go play with my dishes and napkins right now. Thank you for sharing a few of your tips and creativity with us.
ReplyDeleteCindy
You are definitely speaking my language with this post, Yvonne. I have been harboring cloth napkins for the almost 44 years we have been married. Napkin storage was figured into the design when we redid our dining room.
ReplyDeleteYour table designs are all exquisite.
Beautiful post Yvonne! I love how you put a table together. So many fabulous ideas! Thank you!~~Angela
ReplyDeleteI love your tablescapes! Your blog is beautiful and lovely! I enjoy visiting your site and seeing your wonderful photography!
ReplyDeleteLuAnn
Wonderful post and photos with many ideas. Thank you, thank you!
ReplyDeletePinning away here! Love it all. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteNothing like a beautiful napkin to finish out a place setting! It's like the hat of a lovely ensemble...it just tops it all off! I'm partial to the monogrammed napkins. I like monogrammed EVERYTHING!!!!!!
ReplyDelete