Linen is a popular fabric used for table décor. Made from flax plant fibers, it comes in a variety of colors and the quality of the linen depends on the type of flax plant used. Proper care and stain treatment can help keep your linen napkins presentable, and folding them properly will add elegance to your table setting.
Wash your linen napkins in cold water using a delicate spin cycle. Do not use a detergent that contains bleach, as it will ruin the linen.
Dry the linen napkins using a machine dryer, and remove them while they are still damp. Ironing damp linen napkins will give quality results.
Iron the linen napkins. Place them on a smooth, well-padded ironing board. Ensure the sole plate of your iron is clean and begin by testing an unseen area of the napkin. Lay the napkin flat and iron along with the weave in a back-and-forth motion. Keep the iron moving to prevent scorching.
Iron the napkin flat on your ironing board and fold it in half so the open end faces you.
Fold one side over so the napkin is folded into quarters. With the open edge of the napkin facing away and to the right, fold the top layer diagonally toward you. The corner will now be pressed flat at the center of the napkin; roll the layer under once toward the center.
Fold the next layer from the upper-right corner so that it touches the first fold. Roll it and tuck it under the top layer. Turn over the napkin.
Fold over the left side of the napkin 1/3 of the napkin's total size, and then fold the right side to meet the left side. Tuck the right side underneath the flap.
Iron the napkin. Turn the napkin back over and insert the desired silverware in the pocket of the "buffet fold."