10 Ways to Fold the Perfect Thanksgiving Napkin

Step up your place settings this holiday season with these clever and festive Thanksgiving napkin folding ideas.

Updated on October 24, 2025

Looking for cute Thanksgiving napkin folds? Check out our ideas, including this festive turkey gourd napkin fold.

Photo by: Cassidy Garcia

Cassidy Garcia

Looking for cute Thanksgiving napkin folds? Check out our ideas, including this festive turkey gourd napkin fold.

By: Kamron Sanders

Shows: HGTV Happy and HGTV Handmade

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With just a few simple and easy folds, you can transform both cloth and paper napkins from drab to fab this season. From functional silverware sleeves to a festive Thanksgiving turkey, these fun and fancy tutorials will have your table dressed to impress.

The Envelope Fold

DIY Holiday Envelope Napkin Folding Technique

This cloth napkin is folded to resemble an envelope, creating the ideal spot for a holiday dinner menu. The napkin folding technique can be left open to reveal the menu or the top can be folded over to give the look of a closed envelope awaiting guests at their place setting.

Photo by: Clara MacLellan

Clara MacLellan

Start by placing a square napkin on a flat surface and folding it in half to form a triangle (Image 1). Fold each bottom corner inward until the tips meet in the middle (Image 2). Next, fold the sides in so they meet in the middle (Image 3). Fold the bottom upward to create the envelope, then slide your Thanksgiving menu inside (Images 4 & 5).

To create this holiday envelope napkin, start by folding the napkin in half.

Clara MacLellan

Continue this envelope napkin folding technique by folding the edges toward the middle.

Clara MacLellan

Fold the outside edges of this napkin toward the center to create an envelope shape.

Clara MacLellan

Continue forming the envelope-shaped napkin by folding the bottom portion upward.

Clara MacLellan

For the final step in creating this envelope napkin, slide your holiday dinner menu inside.

Clara MacLellan

Holiday Envelope Napkin Technique: Fold the Napkin in Half

To create this holiday envelope napkin, start by folding the napkin in half.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Holiday Envelope Napkin DIY: Fold the Edges to the Middle

Continue this envelope napkin folding technique by folding the edges toward the middle.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Holiday Envelope Napkin: Fold the Napkin Sides Inward

Fold the outside edges of this napkin toward the center to create an envelope shape.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Holiday Envelope Napkin: Fold the Bottom Half Upward

Continue forming the envelope-shaped napkin by folding the bottom portion upward.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Holiday Envelope Napkin DIY: Place the Menu in the Envelope

For the final step in creating this envelope napkin, slide your holiday dinner menu inside.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Fold down the top to close the envelope or simply leave it open so guests can get a glimpse of the meal to come.

DIY Envelope Napkin Folding Technique for the Holidays

This napkin has been folded to resemble an envelope and placed on a coordinated holiday dinner plate. The napkin folding technique is perfect for displaying holiday menus and place cards, or simply for embellishing plates with a festive, fun accessory rather than a traditional napkin.

Photo by: Clara MacLellan

Clara MacLellan

A Cornucopia

Thanksgiving Cornucopia Napkin Folding Technique

This cornucopia napkin folding technique is the perfect way to add a festive touch to your Thanksgiving table setting. The DIY consists of a napkin that's folded, then rolled and filled with an overflow of Thanksgiving accessories like mini pumpkins, pine cones and acorns.

Photo by: Clara MacLellan

Clara MacLellan

Place a square napkin on the table and fold it in half (Image 1). Turn the folded napkin 90 degrees and fold it once more to create a square (Image 2). Grab one corner and roll the napkin into a cone (Images 3 & 4). When the cornucopia is on the plate, fill it with festive trimmings like mini pumpkins, pinecones and acorns (Image 5).

To begin this DIY Thanksgiving cornucopia napkin, fold a napkin in half.

Clara MacLellan

The second step in creating this Thanksgiving cornucopia napkin is to fold the napkin in half once more.

Clara MacLellan

The final step to completing this Thanksgiving cornucopia napkin is to roll up the folded napkin.

Clara MacLellan

To finish this Thanksgiving cornucopia napkin fold, tightly roll the napkin to resemble the cornucopia shape.

Clara MacLellan

This cornucopia napkin folding technique is the ideal way to add a fall-fresh aesthetic to your Thanksgiving table setting. Once the napkin has been folded and rolled into its cornucopia shape, filling it with fall accessories like mini pumpkins, pine cones and acorns gives it a festive touch.

Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Cornucopia Napkin: Fold the Napkin in Half

To begin this DIY Thanksgiving cornucopia napkin, fold a napkin in half.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Cornucopia Napkin: Fold the Napkin in Half Once More

The second step in creating this Thanksgiving cornucopia napkin is to fold the napkin in half once more.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Cornucopia Napkin: Roll the Napkin

The final step to completing this Thanksgiving cornucopia napkin is to roll up the folded napkin.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Cornucopia Napkin: Tightly Roll the Napkin

To finish this Thanksgiving cornucopia napkin fold, tightly roll the napkin to resemble the cornucopia shape.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

DIY Thanksgiving Cornucopia Napkin

This cornucopia napkin folding technique is the ideal way to add a fall-fresh aesthetic to your Thanksgiving table setting. Once the napkin has been folded and rolled into its cornucopia shape, filling it with fall accessories like mini pumpkins, pine cones and acorns gives it a festive touch.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

The Pumpkin Fold

Napkin Shaped Like Pumpkin With Name Tag Sitting on Plate

Pumpkin-Shaped Napkin Fold

Wow your guests with this cute pumpkin-shaped napkin.

Photo by: Sarah Busby

Sarah Busby

Start with an orange square napkin on a table or flat surface. Place a napkin ring in the center of the napkin (Image 1), and slightly pull the middle section of the napkin up through the napkin ring (Image 2). Fold each corner of the napkin into the center (Image 3). Continue folding the napkin into the center, tucking the napkin into the napkin ring as you go (Image 4). Finally, insert a stick of cinnamon into the center to hold the napkin in place and serve as the pumpkin's stem (Image 5).

Wow your guests with this cute pumpkin-shaped napkin.

Sarah Busby

Fold a Napkin Into a Pumpkin

Wow your guests with this cute pumpkin-shaped napkin.

Photo By: Sarah Busby

Fold a Napkin Into a Pumpkin

Wow your guests with this cute pumpkin-shaped napkin.

Photo By: Sarah Busby

Fold a Napkin Into a Pumpkin

Wow your guests with this cute pumpkin-shaped napkin.

Photo By: Sarah Busby

Fold a Napkin Into a Pumpkin

Wow your guests with this cute pumpkin-shaped napkin.

Photo By: Sarah Busby

Pumpkin-Shaped Napkin Fold

Wow your guests with this cute pumpkin-shaped napkin.

Photo By: Sarah Busby

Put a personalized spin on each pumpkin place setting with a gift tag name card.

Pumpkin-Shaped Napkin Fold

Wow your guests with this cute pumpkin-shaped napkin.

Photo by: Sarah Busby

Sarah Busby

Maple Leaf

DIY Thanksgiving Leaf Napkin Folding Technique

The perfect way to give your Thanksgiving place settings a festive, seasonal touch is to embellish each one with a Thanksgiving leaf napkin. This tutorial utilizes a standard cloth napkin and a few simple folds to create the leaf shape. A napkin ring cinches the napkin to mock the shape of a leaf and stem.

Photo by: Clara MacLellan

Clara MacLellan

Place a square napkin on a flat work surface and fold it in half (Image 1). Next, bring each top corner down to meet in the middle, forming a triangle (Image 2). Fold the bottom corners of the triangle upward to the top of the triangle, forming a diamond shape (Image 3). Fold the top corners back down slightly to create a leaf shape, then finish the look off by cinching the bottom with a napkin ring (Images 4 & 5).

The first step toward creating this Thanksgiving napkin fold is to fold the napkin in half.

Clara MacLellan

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving leaf napkin is to fold the outer corners inward, creating a triangle.

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving leaf napkin is to fold the bottom corners upward to the middle.

The final fold to create this Thanksgiving leaf napkin is to fold the top flaps down partially to create the leaf shape.

To create the leaf shape, cinch the bottom of the Thanksgiving leaf napkin with a napkin ring.

Thanksgiving Leaf Napkin: Fold the Napkin in Half

The first step toward creating this Thanksgiving napkin fold is to fold the napkin in half.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Leaf Napkin: Fold Outside Corners Inward

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving leaf napkin is to fold the outer corners inward, creating a triangle.

Thanksgiving Leaf Napkin: Fold the Bottom Corners Upward

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving leaf napkin is to fold the bottom corners upward to the middle.

Thanksgiving Leaf Napkin: Partially Fold the Top Flaps Down

The final fold to create this Thanksgiving leaf napkin is to fold the top flaps down partially to create the leaf shape.

Thanksgiving Leaf Napkin: Cinch the Bottom With a Napkin Ring

To create the leaf shape, cinch the bottom of the Thanksgiving leaf napkin with a napkin ring.

Place a maple leaf napkin on each dinner plate to leaf your guests speechless.

Thanksgiving Leaf Napkin Folding Technique

To give your Thanksgiving table settings the undeniable look of fall, top each plate with a napkin folded to look like a fall leaf. This simple napkin folding technique utilizes a cloth napkin and a few simple folds to create the shape of a maple leaf and is held together by a standard napkin ring.

Photo by: Clara MacLellan

Clara MacLellan

The Turkey Gourd

Photo by: Cassidy Garcia

Cassidy Garcia

Start with a square napkin on a table or flat surface. Fold the bottom edge of the napkin up two-thirds of the way (Image 1). Then, fold the bottom edge up about one-third of the way (Image 2). Starting at one side, make small vertical folds all the way to the opposite edge like a paper fan (Image 3). Secure the bottom with a napkin ring, and then fan out the top (Image 4). Next, cut the bottom off of a small gourd so it can sit flat (Image 5). Stand the napkin up using the ring, and place the gourd in front of it to form the turkey's head and body.

Cassidy Garcia

Photo By: Cassidy Garcia

Create a gourd-geous turkey napkin for each table to create a festive Thanksgiving tablescape.

Photo by: Cassidy Garcia

Cassidy Garcia

The Turkey Fold

Thanksgiving Napkin Folding Technique: Paper Turkey

Paper napkins, even the decorate type, aren't the most beautiful addition to a table. So, to make your Thanksgiving table more beautiful, fold your paper napkins into a turkey and place them at each place setting. Guests are sure to love this artistic, festive touch.

Photo by: Clara MacLellan

Clara MacLellan

Unfold a paper napkin and place it on your work surface (Image 1). Fold the top corners down until they meet in the middle (Image 2). Fold the edges over to meet in the middle, then repeat once more to form a tall, thin triangle (Images 3 & 4).

The first step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to unfold a paper napkin.

Clara MacLellan

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to fold the top corners down.

Clara MacLellan

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to fold the sides inward to create a triangle.

Clara MacLellan

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to fold the sides inward.

Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Turkey Paper Napkin Folding Technique: Unfold Napkin

The first step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to unfold a paper napkin.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Folding Technique: Fold Top Corners Down

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to fold the top corners down.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Folding Technique: Fold the Edges Inward

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to fold the sides inward to create a triangle.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Folding Technique: Fold the Sides Inward

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to fold the sides inward.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Turn the triangle 90 degrees and fold the point back over the wider portion (Image 1). Fold a small portion of the point back in the opposite direction, then let go and allow the neck and head of the turkey to spring upward (Images 2 & 3).

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to fold the tip back.

Clara MacLellan

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to fold the head upward.

Clara MacLellan

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to stand the neck up.

Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Folding Technique: Fold the Tip Back

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to fold the tip back.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Folding Technique: Fold the Head Upward

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to fold the head upward.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Folding Technique: Stand the Neck Up

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to stand the neck up.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Unfold a second paper napkin and fold it in half (Images 1 & 2). Turn the folded napkin 90 degrees and accordion-fold from the bottom (Image 3). Stop the accordion fold once you’ve folded three-quarters of the total length. Turn the napkin 90 degrees so the accordion folds are to the left and fold it in half (Images 4 & 5).

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to unfold a second paper napkin.

Clara MacLellan

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to fold the second napkin in half.

Clara MacLellan

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to accordion fold the second napkin.

Clara MacLellan

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to fold the accordion folds in half.

Clara MacLellan

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to press the accordion folds down.

Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Folding Technique: Create the Feathers

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to unfold a second paper napkin.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Folding Technique: Fold the Napkin in Half

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to fold the second napkin in half.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Folding Technique: Accordion Fold the Second Napkin

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to accordion fold the second napkin.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Folding Technique: Fold the Accordion Folds Over

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to fold the accordion folds in half.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Folding Technique: Press the Accordion Folds Down

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to press the accordion folds down.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Fold the edge over against the accordion fold (Image 1). Flip the napkin over and fold the portion sticking out over the edge of the napkin, pressing the crease firmly (Images 2 & 3). When you let go, the accordion folds should unfurl to create turkey feathers and the small napkin fold should serve as a support base (Image 4). Place the feathers on top of the original turkey napkin to create the final product (Image 5).

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to fold the side back and over.

Clara MacLellan

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to flip the napkin over and fold the flap over.

Clara MacLellan

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to press the fold to crease it.

Clara MacLellan

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to unfold the tail feathers.

Clara MacLellan

Easily overhaul your Thanksgiving tablescape by giving each place setting its own turkey napkin. With a few quick folds, you can turn paper napkins into turkeys. This is a great way to add an elegant and elevated look to your Thanksgiving table without splurging on cloth napkins.

Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Folding Technique: Fold the Side Back

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to fold the side back and over.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Folding Technique: Flip Over and Fold Again

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to flip the napkin over and fold the flap over.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Folding Technique: Press the Crease

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to press the fold to crease it.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Folding Technique: Unfold the Tail Feathers

The next step in creating this Thanksgiving turkey paper napkin fold is to unfold the tail feathers.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Thanksgiving Turkey Paper Napkin Folding Technique

Easily overhaul your Thanksgiving tablescape by giving each place setting its own turkey napkin. With a few quick folds, you can turn paper napkins into turkeys. This is a great way to add an elegant and elevated look to your Thanksgiving table without splurging on cloth napkins.

Photo By: Clara MacLellan

Traditional Leaf

Photo by: Cassidy Garcia

Cassidy Garcia

Start by folding a square napkin in half diagonally to form a triangle (Image 1). Starting in one of the bottom corners, fold a small piece over vertically, like a paper fan (Image 2). Continue folding all the way to the opposite corner (Image 3), and then secure the folds with a napkin ring. Fan out the top and lay it flat to form a leaf shape (Image 4).

Cassidy Garcia

Photo By: Cassidy Garcia

A Pretty Bow

Photo by: Cassidy Garcia

Cassidy Garcia

Fold a square napkin in half diagonally to form a triangle (Image 1). Fold the tip of the triangle down almost halfway, then fold the bottom edge up to meet the tip (Image 2). Fold the bottom edge over again until it meets the top edge (Image 3).

Cassidy Garcia

Photo By: Cassidy Garcia

Take each end and fold them upward at a diagonal angle until the tips meet in the middle (Images 1 & 2). Fold each piece down over the rest of the napkin, tucking the right end underneath the left end (Image 3). Fit a napkin ring around the center (Image 4), pull the pointed ends down (Image 5) and fashion each side into a bow shape.

Cassidy Garcia

Photo By: Cassidy Garcia

Pro Tip: Take this Christmas bow place setting to the next level by pairing it with a gift-wrap-inspired tablecloth.

A Cloth Napkin Folded Into a Christmas Bow

DIY Christmas Bow Napkin Folding Technique

Folding a cloth napkin into a Christmas bow will make each plate at your table merry and festive. It only takes a few simple folds to achieve this Christmas look. To make the most of your Christmas bow fold, use red napkins and gold napkin rings to hold the look together.

Photo by: Clara MacLellan

Clara MacLellan

A Treat Container

Tiny Napkin Basket on Plate With Chocolates Inside

Napkin Basket Place Marker

This napkin treat basket is sure to wow guests at your next holiday party.

Photo by: Sarah Busby

Sarah Busby

Start with a square napkin on a table or flat surface. The napkin should be wrong-side-up. Fold the napkin in half diagonally to form a triangle with the long side closest to you (Image 1). Fold each corner of the triangle to the top to make a diamond shape (Images 2 & 3). Flip the napkin over (Image 4). Fold the bottom up, forming a small, one-inch border on each side (Image 5).

Impress your guests this holiday season with a cute folded napkin treat basket.

Sarah Busby

This napkin treat basket is sure to wow guests at your next holiday party.

Sarah Busby

This folded napkin is sure to impress your guests this holiday season.

Sarah Busby

Folded Napkin Treat Basket

Impress your guests this holiday season with a cute folded napkin treat basket.

Photo By: Sarah Busby

Festive Folded Napkins for the Holidays

This napkin treat basket is sure to wow guests at your next holiday party.

Photo By: Sarah Busby

Folded Napkin With Plaid Pattern

This napkin treat basket is sure to wow guests at your next holiday party.

Photo By: Sarah Busby

Folded Napkin Treat Basket

This folded napkin is sure to impress your guests this holiday season.

Photo By: Sarah Busby

Folded Napkin Treat Basket

This napkin treat basket is sure to wow guests at your next holiday party.

Photo By: Sarah Busby

Fold the entire top triangle down to the bottom edge (Image 1). Flip the napkin over again, and tuck in each of the two tips of the loose triangles (Image 2). Fold the right corner three-quarters of the way over to the left (Image 3). Take the left corner and tuck it into the right to form a basket (Images 4 & 5).

Sarah Busby

Folded Napkin Treat Basket

This napkin treat basket is sure to wow guests at your next holiday party.

Photo By: Sarah Busby

Basket-Shaped Napkin Fold

This napkin treat basket is sure to wow guests at your next holiday party.

Photo By: Sarah Busby

Folded Napkin Treat Basket

This napkin treat basket is sure to wow guests at your next holiday party.

Photo By: Sarah Busby

Folded Napkin Treat Basket

This napkin treat basket is sure to wow guests at your next holiday party.

Photo By: Sarah Busby

Folded Napkin That Holds Treats

This napkin treat basket is sure to wow guests at your next holiday party.

Photo By: Sarah Busby

Stand up a napkin on the center of each plate and don't forget to fill them with plenty of tasty treats.

Folded Napkin Treat Basket

This folded napkin treat basket is sure to impress guests at your next holiday party.

Photo by: Sarah Busby

Sarah Busby

Silverware Pocket

Photo by: Cassidy Garcia

Cassidy Garcia

Fold a square napkin in half along the long edge, and then fold it in half again to form a smaller square (Image 1). Fold the top layer of one corner diagonally all the way to the opposite corner (Image 2). Fold each layer down in the same way, folding less each time and tucking the tips of each corner under the previous fold (Image 3). Tuck each side under (Image 4), and place silverware in the pockets.