A square napkin can be folded into a small tree for a holiday place setting. A cloth napkin that holds a crease or a sturdy paper napkin works best.

Fold the tree

1. Open the napkin into a square. Fold it in half, then in half again to make a smaller square. Rotate it so the loose layered corners point toward you.

   

2. Lift each loose corner toward the opposite point, leaving a small, even gap between layers.

   

3. Turn the folded napkin over carefully. Fold the left and right sides inward to form a tapered tree shape.

   

4. Turn it over again so the layered flaps face up and the narrow end points away from you.

   

5. Starting at the top, fold each flap upward. Tuck each lower flap’s point beneath the fold immediately above it. Adjust the edges gently.

Optional decoration

A clean, securely placed star or a short wooden dowel can suggest a treetop or trunk. Do not put sharp pieces, shedding decorations, or small loose objects where they could be mistaken for food. Keep the folded napkin dry and away from open flames.