Okay, I’ll admit it…I’m a proud napkin nerd! There’s just something about how a beautifully folded napkin can make any table feel extra special. And today, I’m sharing one of my favorite holiday table tricks: how to fold a napkin into a Christmas tree.
It’s festive, elegant, and easier than it looks; perfect for adding a little extra holiday cheer to your dessert table (especially when placed next to a Dutch Apron® Cake Roll slice).
What You’ll Need
- A square napkin (Cloth works best. I love the ones from World Market because they’re durable, come in lots of colors, and wash beautifully.)
- An iron (optional but helpful)
- A little holiday spirit
I chose green napkins for that classic Christmas tree look, but don’t be afraid to be creative! Reds, plaids, or even metallic tones can all work beautifully.
Step-by-Step: How to Fold a Christmas Tree Napkin
1. Start with a Square
Fold your napkin into a neat square then rotate it so the open ends are facing you.
2. Fold the Layers
Begin folding each layer of the napkin upward, leaving a small border each time so the points line up perfectly.
3. Press and Perfect
Here’s a little trick I picked up through a lot of trial and error: keep an iron nearby and give each fold a quick press. It keeps everything crisp and uniform (but it’s totally optional!).
4. Flip and Fold
Carefully flip the napkin over and fold the right side across to the left, creating a pointed end at the bottom.
5. Repeat on the Other Side
Bring the left edge across to meet the right, forming that perfect tree point. Tuck the top corner under a layer to hold it in place.
6. Shape your Tree
Flip the napkin back over and tuck each corner up or down depending on the look you love. This is where your napkin Christmas tree really comes to life!
7. Final Touch
Once your folds are complete, give your napkin one last press with the iron for a crisp, finished look.
Want to Add a Little Something Extra?
To make your table even more special, add a little paper or salt dough star to the top of your tree. It’s the perfect spot to write your guests’ names for a personalized touch.
Pair these Christmas tree napkins with your favorite Dutch Apron® Cake Roll for a dessert spread that’s just as beautiful as it is delicious. From simple folds to sweet traditions, it’s all about creating moments that bring people together this season.
Want more tips and tricks? Follow Dutch Apron® Bakery for all the latest recipe trends and kitchen techniques that are guaranteed to add a little extra sweetness to your life.
About the Author:
Jess Molina is the genius behind many of the Dutch Apron® Bakery recipe blog posts. She joined the team back in 2022 as a social media manager, and, since then, she has become the brand’s resident photographer and baker. When she’s not perfecting pictures for Dutch Apron® Bakery’s social media feeds, she can be found spending time in nature with her two dogs, going on bike rides with her family, and trying new bread recipes.
