Elevate your dinner table setting by adding beautifully folded napkins shaped as swans. It adds charm and elegance to any occasion, be it a casual family meal or a formal dinner party. The art of folding napkins into various designs has been around for centuries, and this tutorial will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating the classic swan from a plain napkin.

Materials:

– A square napkin (Preferably one with a good weight and stiffness)

– Clean, flat surface

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the napkin: Begin by laying the square napkin out with the more attractive side facing down. Make sure there are no wrinkles and that it lies flat on the surface.

2. Create a triangle: Fold the bottom corner up to the top corner to create a triangle with equal sides.

3. Form another triangle: Fold the lower left and lower right corners of the triangle upwards, so they meet at the top corner, creating an even smaller triangle.

4. Open wings: Pull both sides of your newly formed small triangle apart from each other, opening up its “wings.” This is known as a “double open fold.”

5. Shape neck and head: Next, hold one open wing at its middle edge while keeping it horizontal to the table. Begin rolling it into itself towards the middle of the smaller triangle to create the swan’s neck. Gently bend it into an S-shape to form the swan’s head.

6. Repeat on other side: Now hold onto the other wing by its middle edge and again begin rolling it towards the middle of the smaller triangle, this time rolling away from yourself instead of towards yourself like in step 5.

7. Secure wings together: Position both wings so their rolled-up parts meet in the center beneath each other, then gently press them together to make them more secure.

8. Curve the tail: To give the swan an elegant curve, pull on the triangular points at the other end of the napkin to create a flowy, curved tail.

9. Finishing touches and display: Set the napkin swan on your plate or table with its open wings facing up for support. If needed, gently adjust and tweak the neck, head, and wings to give it a lifelike appearance.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of folding napkins into a graceful swan, you can surprise and delight your guests with these elegant creations at your next dinner gathering. With time and practice, you will create stunning swan napkins that become a memorable conversation starter on any occasion.