We believe that a beautiful table sets the stage for enchantment, letting your guests know that an evening of magic awaits them. When you pay attention to the details, your food tastes better, your champagnes have more sparkle, and even the cake seems just a bit sweeter. So take those extra five minutes to ask your caterer, florist or setup staff to create a special napkin treatment just for you.
Folds
The most traditional napkin treatment is the artful fold. Sometimes more complicated than origami, folded napkins can be coaxed into dramatic fans, standing towers or even cascades from your wine glasses. For a simple table setting pick-me-up, ask your catering staff to take some time with your napkins, rather than hiding them under your forks.
Colored Linens
A splash of bright color is the easiest way to add drama to your tables. Napkins are the perfect accent linens, and make it easy to transform your dining area into a kaleidoscope of color. Consider alternating napkin tones, with bold purples placed next to vibrant turquoises. Or name your tables after your favorite hues, with the color of the napkins setting them apart. Just make sure you stay in the same color family, using, for example, tables with southwestern tones, such as sage, copper, and dusky blue, or spring shades, such as lavender, tiffany blue and pale pink.
Ribbon
Ribbons evoke the innocence of childhood pigtails, and lend sweetness and charm to any table setting. Think satin, organza, picot-edged or even silk moiré. Picture a snowy linen napkin, folded in thirds and tied like a package with a cheerful bow. Or a rolled napkin, held in place by a band of lemon yellow ribbon layered on top of a broad strip of mint satin. Your guests will feel pampered even before that first delicious course is served, and can take the ribbon home as a mini keepsake.
Flowers
A bashful pink sweatpea, tucked into a napkin fold. A spray of rosemary -- for remembrance -- bursting from the crest of a standing napkin. Using fresh blooms to adorn your napkin treatments is a wonderful way to continue your floral theme, and introduce fragrance and beauty to your table settings. Our favorite idea? Incorporate mini rosebud boutonnieres that double as favors into your napkin treatments. After all, what could be more lovely than sending each guest home with a flower?
Favors
Don't think napkins are made to simply sit sedately in your lap. They're also the perfect place to display your favors. Imagine a few luscious lemon drops wrapped in your napkins, or one flawless truffle perched proudly on the napkin on your charger plates. Packaging is everything, and napkins give you one more option in your favor presentation.
Rings
Although mostly reserved for small or at-home weddings, the most traditional way of dressing up a napkin is the ring. Crafted of fabric, metal or even twinkling Swarovski crystals, napkin rings should be chosen to blend in with your décor. Your caterer, florist or rental company should have a variety of napkin rings for you to rent, or you can browse flea markets to find a style that you love. Remember, napkin rings don't necessarily have to match, but make sure you find rings in a similar shape and color.
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