Victoria The New Napkin Folding: Fresh Ideas for a Well-Dressed Table [Paperback]

Joanne O'Sullivan (Author), Terry Taylor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 28, 2006

When the finest china and polished silverware sparkle on a beautiful tablecloth, when a lovely floral centerpiece adds an extra note of grace, when shimmering candles create romance, no ordinary napkin will do. So transform those simple linen squares into something dazzling by following precisely photographed instructions and a few simple folds. A primer of the easiest possible techniques will get you started, and the projects-divided into chapters focusing on elegance, charm, and whimsy-range from the pretty Water Lily to the sweet and appealing Maiden's Cap, from a frilly deco-style fan to the dramatic, origami-like fleur-de-lis. These chic and decorative folded napkins are what every well-dressed table should wear!

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

What is it about a well-folded napkin that recalls an age of elegance and sophistication? Victoria magazine, in concert with authors O'Sullivan and Taylor, demonstrates how easy it is to recapture entertaining finesse with 40 different fabric folds. First are the preparations: a primer on fabric (damask is preferred, of course), etiquette (use a napkin only for brushing crumbs off your mouth, never to blot lipstick or wipe a nose), wash and wear tips, stain removal, and basic folds. Then, the projects. Most are explained on a double spread: on the left is a color photograph of the fold, on the right are verbal and visual directions. Many resemble a soft origami, such as the butterfly and the deco fan. Others lend a sense of completeness and planned design to a dinner table. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

America's Victoria magazine celebrates the beauty and creativity that women bring to their homes and their world. Every issue is filled with inspiring ideas for decorating, romantic fashions, enchanting gardens, elegant entertaining, travel, and profiles of entrepreneurs who've followed their passions to success. Victoria speaks to the heart of women's lives. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Hearst (February 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158816568X
• ISBN-13: 978-1588165688
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 8.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #117,157 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More Than Just Folding..., January 15, 2007

By 

SR Bose (Glendale, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Victoria The New Napkin Folding: Fresh Ideas for a Well-Dressed Table (Paperback)

This book is very well laid out. Background information on table setting, napkin etiquette, simple instructions, and large color photos make this book an excellent choice...especially for a novice like me!

The book contains not only napkin folding techniques, it gives information on various napkin fabrics, basic sizes used for each meal, napkin etiquette, information on napkin care & storage, and stain removal tips. Also, there is a page containing proper table-setting etiquette.

The book contains forty napkin folds divided into three categories; Elegance, Charm, and Whimsy. Included in the types of folds are designs for holding items such as place cards, flatware, or food (the "Duchess Crown" is photographed holding a muffin). I have practiced most all the folds and I especially enjoyed making "Sunset Sails" as well as the heart-shaped "A Little Romance" folds. My "Bread Box" fold was a little wimpy as I practiced with napkins that aren't well starched.

Instructions for the napkin folding are given in simple, easy-to-follow steps and a picture of each step is included. A large color photo of the final outcome is included. Most of the folds are done in three or four simple steps. (A few contain up to five steps whereas the "Bread Box" and "Duchess Crown" each contin seven steps).

I found this book delightful in that it was easy for the novice to use and supplied that little extra something with its tips for table setting and napkin etiquette as well as storage/care of linens. I plan to share this book with my friends who like to host dinner parties.