Home Design with Kevin Sharkey

1 The open book fold is pretty with both bordered napkins and plain-edged ones. Each "jacket" holds a menu and place card for the holiday meal.

2 This napkin fold, favored by the famous French chef August Escoffier, is one of several for presenting individual rolls.

3 Beautifully folded napkins set the scene for a holiday meal to remember. For best results, start with clean, pressed linen or cotton napkins. Be sure to starch them, and press each fold as you work. If you're expecting a sizable crowd for dinner, start your folding early.

4 Instead of a bright red napkin for the Lotus fold, a subtle color is less bold and elegant.

5 Give your guests something pleasant to behold -- and unroll -- with this striking contemporary napkin fold.

6 These three elegant napkin folds are easy to create, but your guests will never know.

7 This simple design is among the easiest to do, and the folded napkins stack well. Treats or a place card can be tucked inside.

8 You can see how a simple fold can transform your table top.

9 Have some fun with your napkin folding for the holidays -- I love this Turkey napkin that will stand out on any Thanksgiving table.

10 Photographed here is the turkey in the making.

11 A napkin in an accordion fold, also known as a stemware fold, is an artful accent to the holiday table. Fold the pleats in half as shown, insert the bottom into a glass, and then fan out the top pleats.

12 Tuck silverware neatly into napkin pockets for an elegant appearance.

13 Tall folds are a clever way to make a crowded table seem less so.