How to Tie Ribbons on Napkins

Torn image edge

Ribbons are a girl’s best friend

Well, maybe after diamonds. Maybe…

Ready to prep your place settings with one-of-a-kind napkin treatments? Dare to be different with some DIY napkin decor that will have your guests asking if you had the table set professionally. Plus, make use of the extra ribbon you have lying around after wrapping gifts. We love a good multi-tasker.

how to make napkins look good

Classic Bow 

  1. With the napkin laying open and flat, pinch and pull from the center as if trying to squeeze it through a ring.
  2. Set the napkin down in that position and cut around 12 inches of ribbon to wrap around the lower half of the napkin bundle. Make sure the ribbon length is the same on both sides of the napkin. 
  3. Tighten the ribbon around the napkin and tie into a bow. 
  4. Fluff bow as necessary. Stick a sprig of rosemary between the napkin and ribbon for a fresh, natural feel. Use your imagination for adding an element that matches the theme of your party.

Ribbon Ring 

For this look, remix the classic napkin ring. With only scissors, double-sided tape, and ribbon, your napkin rings will be ready to go.

  1. Fold  napkin into a square. Roll from the loose sides toward the center to create a neat look.
  2. Lay ribbon underneath the rolled napkin so you have the loose end on the left and longer end/attached end on the right. Cut ribbon to the length that wraps around the napkin roll so there is little left and it will fit snuggly.
  3. Secure ribbon ends together with double-sided tape.
  4. At this point, you have a simple ribbon ring on your napkin, but you can also glue a gem for extra pop or add a smaller string of ribbon to tie the ring in a bow for some layered fun.

Knot Tie

  1. Fold the napkin in half, and then in half so it is in quarters. 
  2. Roll the napkin, starting from the open edge. Roll toward the folded edge for a clean look.
  3. Wrap and tie the ribbon similar to the bow style, but instead of a bow, tie it in a knot, leaving longer strands of ribbon that you can play with laying at different angles. 
  4. Trim the ribbons to the length that fits your look.

Our favorite ribbons:

No need to spend crazy dollars on the fanciest specialized napkin rings when you can create your own to fit any and every occasion. Ribbons are the best way to add your color scheme to table settings without overdoing it. There are all kinds of ribbon fabrics and textures out there, so go bold and make it fun; have some friends over, get some snacks and cocktails, and share ribbon ideas with each other. Ooh… new party idea: required accessory is ribbon in guests’ hair. Guests will mix and match ribbons to make new napkin rings. Now we’re onto something.

how to decorate napkins

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