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DECORATIVE NAPKIN FOLDING FOR BEGINNERS
By Lillian Oppenheimer, Natalie Epstein, Gwen Williams Dover Publications, Inc.
Copyright © 1979 Lillian Oppenheimer and Natalie Epstein
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-486-13882-4
INTRODUCTION
There is something festive about a fancifully folded napkin. The very sight of an array of folded linen among the crystal proclaims a meal a celebration; and when the waiter, with a single gesture, flicks the folds open and lays the cloth across your lap, you feel like royalty.
Not many generations back, napkin folding was a backstairs accomplishment that added luster to the appointments of the dinner table in private mansions. Nowadays it is virtually a trade secret among waiters in elegant restaurants, where large linen napkins are still used. There is, however, no reason why waiters should have all the fun. Anybody can fold napkins! There is not even any reason why napkins should be linen, or, indeed, woven cloth of any sort. Big, square paper dinner napkins work perfectly well. It is important that the napkin, whatever its material, be truly square, and not limp. If cloth is used, it should be lightly starched. For best results, iron out all the creases before you begin.
The designs in this collection of napkin folds range from very simple to moderately complex. The easy ones are in the front of the book. Do them first. In following the diagrams, remember that each picture shows you two things: what the napkin looks like after the previous fold has been made and what you do next. Work on a clean, hard surface and press firmly, so that the finished creation may be fresh and crisp—ready to grace an invalid's tray or a holiday table. The user will have as much fun trying to figure out how you did it as you had in the making.
ALICE GRAY
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Excerpted from DECORATIVE NAPKIN FOLDING FOR BEGINNERS by Lillian Oppenheimer, Natalie Epstein, Gwen Williams. Copyright © 1979 Lillian Oppenheimer and Natalie Epstein. Excerpted by permission of Dover Publications, Inc..
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