Chapter 3

• Napkin folding - A type of decorative folding done with a napkin. It is the art of folding table napkins for neatness and attractiveness.
• The word Napkin is derived from the French word ‘Nappe’ which means table cloth. The word ‘kin’ added as suffix indicate that the size is smaller when compared to a table cloth. Napkins are also called serviettes.
• Cloth napkins are generally made of cotton or linen or linen-cotton mix. A few napkins can be made of synthetic materials or silk. The fabric chosen must be absorbent. In formal dining restaurants cloth napkins are popular while in fast foods and certain restaurants paper napkins are used.
• Napkins can be imprinted with custom design and monograms. However a high thread-count, white, linen or linen-cotton mix damask napkin is considered most elegant.
• 18” x 18” – lunch napkin
• 20” x 20” – dinner napkin
• Pyramid - This type of napkin fold is simple to make and requires very less time. This fold will come out perfectly if the napkin is well starched and ironed.
• “Table skirting” is defined as draping a table with a table cloth in order to give the table a formal and elegant look. Table skirts are often used at wedding receptions, press conferences and any other social events.
• Pleats - a type of fold formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and securing it in place. It is commonly used in clothing and upholstery to gather a wide piece of fabric to a narrower circumference.
• Topper - Table skirt toppers cover the top of the table. Toppers are non-pleated and have finished edges. Universal sizes work on both standard 6 foot and 8-foot banquet tables.
• Skirt - Table skirting goes around the perimeter (border) of your tables
• Gathered or Shirred - a popular choice due to the simplicity and reasonable cost. A gathered or shirred table skirt is a fabric drape drawn together by threads along the top hem providing extra body to the skirt. A tighter gather gives a table skirt a full, ruffled appearance.
• Knife Pleats - is a series of narrow, sharp creases folded in the same direction. Unlike gathered table skirts, knife pleats create smooth, precise lines down the length of the skirt. The knife pleated table skirt is a classic choice that is the least expensive of the pleated variety.
• Box Pleats - is made from a sequence of back-to-back knife pleats. Box pleated table skirting is a good choice for a professional conference or business meeting. The box pleats give the table a neat, tailored appearance. Box pleats have a more pronounced projection than a simple knife pleat, adding dimension and interest to business or formal tables.
• French Box Pleats - provide even more volume than standard box pleats. French pleats are narrower than regular box pleats, giving the bottom of the table skirting a fuller appearance. French box pleats work equally well in casual or elegant settings.
• Fringe - Metallic, tissue and raffia fringe skirts have a number of imaginative uses. This kind of decorative fringe is a charming substitute for table skirting and serves as a festive wall border for special celebrations. Natural raffia table skirting is perfect for a tropical or luau-themed event. Raffia fringe works as hula table skirting, tiki bar draping and funky wall decor.
• Banquet - business or party tables can be fitted with detachable swags that are placed over any kind of cloth table skirting. Swags are commonly attached with overlap clips that will not flatten or damage the table skirt pleating. Swags are an easy way to dress up an otherwise plain table skirt.