4 Trending Paper Napkin Folds to Elevate Your Christmas Table (2025 Guide)

’Tis the season to turn ordinary meals into magical moments—and nothing ties a festive table together like artfully folded paper napkins. If you’ve ever wondered how to fold paper napkins for Christmas, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or an intimate holiday gathering, these easy Christmas napkin folding ideas use affordable disposable paper napkins and take 5 minutes or less to master. Plus, we’ll show you how to match them with your holiday décor and highlight this year’s most-searched napkin trends!

Why Paper Napkins for Christmas Table Settings?

Paper napkins are a holiday host’s best friend: they’re affordable, versatile, and come in festive prints like plaid, snowflakes, and holly. Perfect for Christmas table decorations, they also work beautifully for origami-style folds.

According to 2025 search data, keywords like “easy paper napkin Christmas crafts”, “festive napkin folds” and “Christmas tree napkin fold” are trending as hosts look for low-effort, high-impact décor. Best of all, they’re kid-friendly—let the little ones join in and make Christmas napkin folding part of your holiday tradition!

1. Classic Christmas Tree Napkin (Most-Searched Fold!)

The Christmas tree napkin fold is the most popular holiday trend for 2025. It’s simple, stands upright, and instantly elevates your table. Use green or printed paper napkins for best results.

Materials:

• 1 square paper napkin (16” x 16” or larger works best)

• Optional: Gold star sticker or ribbon

Steps:

1. Lay the napkin flat, fold in half to make a rectangle, then fold again into a smaller square.

2. Flip so the open corners face downward. Fold the top layer’s corner up 1”, then repeat with each layer, creating “branches.”

3. Flip the napkin over, fold left and right thirds toward the center, and tuck to secure.

4. Flip back and gently pull up each flap to shape the tree. Add a star sticker for flair!

📸 Christmas Tree Paper Napkin Fold
A green paper napkin folded into a mini Christmas tree, topped with a gold star, placed on a white dinner plate.

2. Poinsettia Napkin (Elegant & Festive)

Nothing says Christmas quite like a poinsettia napkin fold. Red paper napkins transform into blooming flowers—perfect for both formal and casual holiday tables.

Materials:

• 1 red square paper napkin

• Optional: Small green leaf sticker

Steps:

1. Fold all 4 corners of the napkin into the center.

2. Flip and repeat folding corners into the center again.

3. Reach under each flap and pull upward to form petals.

4. Add a green leaf sticker at the base for a realistic touch.

📸 Poinsettia Paper Napkin Fold
A red paper napkin shaped like a poinsettia, on a gold charger plate with a pine sprig.

3. Elf Shoe Napkin (Kid-Approved Fun)

For families, elf shoe napkin folds are trending as a playful table decoration. Use green or striped napkins for a whimsical holiday touch.

Materials:

• 1 green or patterned square paper napkin

Steps:

1. Lay the napkin as a diamond. Fold the bottom corner up to meet the top (triangle).

2. Fold the left and right corners toward the center, overlapping slightly.

3. Flip the napkin, fold the bottom third upward, and tuck to secure the “shoe” shape.

📸 Elf Shoe Paper Napkin Fold
Two green paper napkin elf shoes beside a kids’ plate with a candy cane.

4. Ornament Napkin (Sparkle in Seconds)

If you want glamour, try the ornament napkin fold—a quick way to add sparkle to your Christmas table décor. Metallic or glitter paper napkins work best.

Materials:

• 1 square metallic paper napkin

• 6” ribbon

Steps:

1. Fold the napkin diagonally into a triangle, then again into a smaller triangle.

2. Fold each corner toward the center.

3. Fold inward again to create a rounded shape.

4. Tie a ribbon around the base—done!

📸 Ornament Paper Napkin Fold
A gold metallic paper napkin ornament tied with red ribbon, resting on a pine branch.

Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Napkin Folds

• Choose the right size: 16” x 16” paper napkins are most versatile.

• Smooth before folding: Iron napkins lightly (low heat) for crisp lines.

• Keep décor simple: A ribbon, star sticker, or small greenery is enough.

🎄 This Christmas, let your paper napkins steal the show. These festive napkin folds prove that tiny details make the biggest impact. Whether you choose the Christmas tree, poinsettia, elf shoe, or ornament fold, you’ll impress guests without breaking the budget.

📌 Save this guide for next time you search “how to fold paper napkins for Christmas”—and tag us in your holiday table photos. We’d love to see your creations!