I’m not talking about a hand written note in your finest calligraphy, the kind of invitation you send out in an email, or even the kind you print from your computer on heavy card stock. I’m talking about the kind that literally invites your guests to sit down at the table and partake of the meal set before them.
Simple, elegant and tidy—who could resist an invitation like this with the tantalizing aromas of freshly brewed coffee, just baked cinnamon rolls and a hearty strata filling the air?
I learned this napkin-folding technique some years ago from an uncle who dabbled in professional catering services here in Kansas City.
Some of the events he designed for were casual affairs—lazy, afternoon dinners at a friend’s house and lively, outdoor, rehearsal dinners for summer wedding parties; and some of the events were more formal affairs—black tie benefits, art gallery openings, fund raisers, and more.
Regardless of the affair, my uncle always managed to bring a touch of elegance to the event: from his trademark touch of formality, to a touch of fantastical whimsy and sometimes, merely, an invitation to brunch.
I’ve since seen this presentation a number of times, both at events I’ve attended and in Martha Stewart’s fabulous book, Good Things for Easy Entertaining, circa 2003. Perfectly suited for any meal of the day, I invite you to put this Invitation to Brunch in use at your own home or bed & breakfast inn. It’s just one of those easy, attractive and eye-catching details that will make your guests feel welcomed and special. And truly, isn’t that where all matters of good presentation begin?
Creating An Invitation to Brunch (or Dinner, if you prefer)
Step 1: Using your finest cloth napkins, firmly press each one using the corresponding heat setting on your iron and release all wrinkles. Use spray starch (if desired) to produce a crisper material.
Step 2: As each napkin is pressed, fold in half on the diagonal, leaving the bottom edges of the napkin a tad longer than the top. The top half of the napkin should rest just short of the bottom. Press the fold you created along the bottom.
Step 3: Taking the tips of the right and left corners, fold each inwards until they meet in the middle. Press the newly created folds lightly.
Step 4: Taking both the right and left sides of the napkin, fold each inward until they too meet in the middle. Press the folds again.
Step 5: Fold the bottom edge of the napkin up and inward, until it rests just below the bottom corners of the triangle on top, leaving only the triangular flap that will fold over and form your envelope. Readjust your fold if necessary and press again.
Step 6: Simply fold the top, triangular portion downward, press all folds once more and pat yourself on the back. You’ve just created the quintessential Invitation to Brunch!
Presentation Ideas for An Invitation to Brunch
Featured below are two additional examples on how you can present your Invitation to Brunch. I urge you to experiment with your own table-setting pieces and additional decor items. If using a natural, cook’s approach, perhaps the addition of a lightly scented lavender twig or cutting of lemon thyme lying across the diagonal. Or how about a colorful piece of hard candy or even a mint intended as an after-brunch treat? The possibilities are endless. Look around your kitchen, garden, home or inn. There are ideas and inspiration everywhere. Or leave the envelope simply as it is. Either way, your guests are sure to appreciate their unique and unforgettable Invitation to Brunch.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the lesson, I am clueless at folding napkins and never know how to place them.
Thanks for the tutorial on this! Years ago, I bought a napkin folding technique book and was inspired to do some great stuff with napkin presentation. But I couldn’t really get past the first 3 folds, so I gave up.
I’m so glad you’re having these series of posts because I’m going to learn so much!
This is a great pointer and I’ve realized yet another area where my presentation is totally lacking. While I’ve focused my efforts on making the plating a lot more fun and appealing, the actual place of eating is nothing at all exciting. Keep this series coming!
Noble Pig – You’re welcome! This technique is so easy, I do hope you’ll try it.
WORC – I’ve tried many other napkin folding techniques and have given up on some as well. Either they were far too complicated or too fancy for my needs. But this particular technique is so simple and can be so easily incorporated into virtually any environment, it makes dressing up your place settings a snap!
Mike – Thanks for the compliment. While an inviting place setting certainly helps to make guests feel welcomed and comfortable, when combined with a friendly host, some soft background music suited to the occasion and beautiful plating, you’re poised to hit the meal out of the park and create the culinary home run!