Now-a-days, we tend to think of napkin folds as kitsch. If we fold at all, it’s to have an always-used, exceedingly plain, “signature fold”. This is posited as our own hallmark on the table, rather than an attempt at something dramatic or whimsical. Somehow, it is perceived as trying too hard if we create fancy folds. This is a shame.
In the victorian times people ate dinner at each other’s homes many nights of the week, in addition to this, the lady of the house might eat several teas and luncheons out every week as well. And we mustn’t forget the 5 O’Clocks, formal teas, Kaffeklatches, ball dinners, post entertainment dessert parties, or the formal breakfasts. That many meals eaten out and people begin to look for variety wherever they might find it. Add to this the fact that Victorian’s loved novelties and you get a plethora of napkin folds.
I have nothing against a fancy napkin fold. I generally don’t use them because as a servant-less modern gal, I generally don’t have the time. Plus, in casual Southern California people are daunted by a coursed dinner where they’re expected to show up on time, so I try not to throw too many anachronistic curve balls at them, but I certainly do not rule them out.
I should also say that another contributing factor to the lack of fancy folds is that modern table napkins are smaller than the huge pieces of cloth used in earlier times. It was much easier to make dozens of pleats when the cloth in question was large enough to cover a lady’s petticoated gown.
Should you want to give these wonderful bits of table art a try, here are some Victorian to Edwardian, napkin folding instructions. Have fun and much love!
