Take your Father’s Day table to the next level with these charming necktie napkins. They’re quick to make and add a thoughtful, festive touch to any place setting.
Setting a beautiful table is one of my favorite rituals, and I love involving the kids. Lately we’ve been trying playful napkin folds — from elegant bow napkins to sweet bunny ear napkins — and for Father’s Day I wanted a more masculine look. These necktie napkins are the perfect balance of simple and stylish.
If you’d like menu inspiration for a Father’s Day meal, plan a neighborhood barbecue or a cozy family dinner to pair with these napkin ties. Brunch lovers can serve fluffy pancakes, a make-ahead frittata wrap, or apple-honey cinnamon buns. Whatever you choose, these napkins make the table feel special.
Below is a clear, step-by-step tutorial with photos so you can fold the necktie napkins in minutes.
To Make the Necktie Napkins:
- Fold the napkin in half diagonally to form a triangle.
- Starting at the pointed end, make accordion folds about 1½ inches wide along the length of the triangle.
- With the folded side facing up (the pleats should be visible), fold the right half over the center at roughly a 45° angle.
- Fold the left side over the right at about a 90° angle to the previous fold, then tuck it through the center and pull tight to form the knot.
- Tuck the end of the shorter side back through the opening until it is hidden from the front.
- Adjust the folds and shape as needed, then place the finished napkin on top of each plate or beside the dinnerware.
These napkins work well with cloth or thicker paper napkins; patterned or textured fabrics can add extra visual interest. For a coordinated look, choose napkin colors that complement your table linens, placemats, or dinnerware. If you’re serving a casual backyard meal, try gingham or plaid napkins for a classic, festive vibe. For a more formal setting, solid colors or subtle stripes keep the look refined.
Tips for quick prep: fold several napkins at once while chatting with a family member, or involve kids by assigning each child a few napkins to fold. If you want to secure the knot for transport, a small dab of fabric-safe double-sided tape or a discreet safety pin on the back will hold the shape until the napkin is placed.
These necktie napkins are a small detail that makes a big impression. They’re fun to create, adaptable to many styles, and a sweet way to celebrate the special men in your life on Father’s Day.
