Christmas Tree Napkin Fold for Stunning Holiday Tables

Want a Christmas table that feels magical before the food even arrives? The Christmas tree napkin fold is one of the easiest ways to turn simple paper napkins into charming mini trees that instantly upgrade your holiday tablescape. Whether you're hosting a cozy family dinner or a full-on Christmas party, learning how to fold a napkin like a Christmas tree adds that "wow" factor guests will notice the moment they sit down.

In this guide, we'll walk you through step by step Christmas tree napkin fold instructions. To build a cohesive look around your folded napkins, explore our curated Christmas dinnerware collection packed with festive plates, napkins, drinkware, and table décor that coordinate perfectly with your Christmas tree napkin designs.

Why the Christmas Tree Napkin Fold Elevates Any Holiday Table

From Simple Napkin to Show-Stopping Centerpiece

The beauty of the Christmas tree napkin fold is that it turns something practical into a tiny piece of art. Instead of laying flat napkins by each plate, you're creating a small "tree" that instantly tells guests: this meal is special.

Instant holiday vibe – A folded napkin shaped like a Christmas tree adds seasonal charm even before you bring out the appetizers. It's a subtle but powerful way to set the tone for your celebration.
Works with any style – Whether your table is rustic, glam, minimalist, or playful, you can fold napkins like a Christmas tree and simply change colors and accents to match your theme.
Perfect for photos & memories – Guests love snapping photos of thoughtful details. A table filled with tiny napkin trees looks fantastic in pictures and helps your party live on in everyone's camera roll.
Zero extra clutter – Unlike large centerpieces, napkin trees don't take up valuable table space. They sit neatly on each plate or charger, adding a touch of décor without crowding dishes and glasses.
Budget-friendly upgrade – With just green paper napkins for Christmas, you get a decorative effect that feels luxe but costs very little—especially when you use disposable tableware.

How the Christmas Tree Napkin Fold Complements Your Dinnerware

Plates & chargers
- A classic white or ivory plastic dinner plate becomes instantly more festive when topped with a rich green napkin tree.
- Metallic-rim plates (gold, silver, or red accents) echo the "ornament" feel of a decorated Christmas tree when paired with a folded napkin in complementary tones.
- For an all-in-one solution, explore elegant plates and chargers inside the holiday dinnerware collection and build your napkin trees around those designs.
Napkins & layers
- Stack red and green Christmas napkins together: fold the green napkin into the tree and lay it over a flat red napkin "background" for a layered, dimensional look.
- Use patterned Christmas napkins underneath solid green trees to add subtle snowflakes, ornaments, or plaid details.
Drinkware & small accents
- Clear plastic wine glasses or tumblers let your napkin color palette stand out rather than compete with it.
- Tie a tiny ribbon or mini ornament at the top of each napkin tree, echoing the shine of your drinkware and cutlery.

Benefits of pairing your Christmas tree napkin folding with coordinated disposable dinnerware:

Cohesive visual story – Every place setting tells the same elegant holiday story.
Stress-free hosting – You get the glamorous look of fine china and cloth napkins while still enjoying the convenience of disposable pieces.
Easy scaling – Whether you're setting four places or forty, it's simple to replicate the same folded napkin and tableware combo for all your guests.

Ready to design a table where every tiny tree matches your plates and cups? Explore the curated Christmas dinnerware collection to find festive plates, napkins, and décor that make your Christmas tree napkin folds truly shine.

Step by Step Christmas Tree Napkin Fold for Beginners

If you're new to napkin folding, don't worry—the Christmas tree napkin fold looks impressive but is actually very beginner-friendly.

What You Need Before You Start

1. Choose the proper napkins

Dinner-size paper napkins – Larger napkins give you more layers for that "tiered branch" effect.
Green tones – Classic green paper napkins for Christmas mimic evergreen branches beautifully.
Red and green Christmas napkins – Use green for the tree and red underneath as a flat base napkin for a layered, festive look.

2. Pair with the right dinnerware

Use classic white or ivory plastic dinner plates to let the Christmas tree napkin fold be the star.
Or choose patterned Christmas plates from the Christmas collection to echo your red-and-green napkin palette and complete your Christmas table décor napkins look.

3. Quick prep checklist

✔ Clean, flat surface
✔ Stack of dinner-size napkins to practice on
✔ A few sample plates from your Christmas disposable dinnerware
✔ Good lighting so you can see each fold clearly

Step-by-Step Christmas Tree Napkin Fold (Beginner Version)

Start with a square napkin
- Lay the napkin flat in a diamond shape (one corner pointing toward you).
- If it's patterned, place the print face down so it shows on the finished tree.
Fold into a triangle and then a smaller triangle
- Fold the bottom corner up to the top to make a large triangle.
- Fold the right corner over to meet the left corner, forming a smaller triangle.
- Rotate so the long side is at the top, and the point is facing down.
Create the ''branches''
- Starting with the top layer, fold the tip upward toward the top edge, leaving a small gap.
- Repeat with each visible layer beneath, forming staggered "steps" that look like branches.
Shape the tree
- Carefully flip the napkin over, keeping the folds in place.
- Fold the left side toward the center, then the right side, slightly overlapping to narrow the shape.
- Flip it back so the layered folds face up again.
Tuck the points
- Starting from the top, fold each point upward and tuck it under the layer above it.
- Adjust the edges until you get a clean, symmetrical Christmas tree.

Place your finished Christmas tree napkin fold in the center of each plate, and you've instantly turned your table into a festive display. For a complete look, match your folded napkins with coordinating plates, drinkware, and cutlery from the Christmas dinnerware collection, so every element of your table feels intentionally styled.

How to Fold a Napkin Like a Christmas Tree with Green Paper Napkins

Why Green Paper Napkins Are Ideal for the Christmas Tree Napkin Fold

Green napkins—especially deeper shades like hunter green—enhance the visual impact of the fold. Here's why they're the best option for mastering Christmas napkin folding:

Natural Tree Aesthetic: Green instantly conveys the classic Christmas tree look.
Crisp Folds: Paper napkins hold their shape better than cloth, making it easier to create tiered branches and precise edges.
Affordable & Practical: Disposable napkins are budget-friendly and make cleanup after holiday gatherings effortless.
Versatile for Décor: Green pairs beautifully with red, gold, white, silver, and plaid holiday color palettes.
Perfect for All Skill Levels: Even beginners can achieve a clean fold thanks to the napkin's thickness and structure.

For the richest, most elegant shade, the Hunter Green Paper Dinner Napkins are ideal. They provide the perfect texture and strength for crisp layers and beautiful Christmas tree folds.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Folding a Christmas Tree Napkin with Green Napkins

Follow these simple steps to create a classic napkin tree:

1. Start with a square napkin

Lay your green napkin flat, keeping the folded edges at the bottom. This ensures the layers stack neatly when you form the branches.

2. Fold into a large triangle

Bring the top edge down to meet the bottom edge. Smooth the napkin to remove any air pockets.

3. Fold into layered branches

Take the top layer and fold its point upward, leaving about ½ inch from the napkin edge.
Repeat with each layer below it. You should see multiple tiered "branches."

4. Shape the Christmas tree

Flip the napkin over while holding the folds in place.
Fold the left corner inward toward the center.
Fold the right corner inward, overlapping slightly.
Flip the napkin back over.

5. Tuck the branches

Starting from the top, tuck the pointed tip of each folded layer under the layer above it.
This creates a dimensional, sculpted tree shape.

How to Style Your Green Napkin Trees

Once you've folded your napkin trees, you can elevate your tablescape easily:

Place each tree on a white or gold dinner plate for bold contrast.
Create traditional red-and-green décor by placing your green napkin tree over a flat red napkin.
Pair them with themed holiday plates from the Christmas Collection to create a cohesive setting.
Add tiny accents like mini bells, bows, or a gold star at the top.

Whether you're going for classic, modern, rustic, or glam, green napkin trees let you design a festive table that feels thoughtful, coordinated, and holiday-ready.

Easy Napkin Folding Christmas Ideas for Casual and Formal Parties

Easy Napkin Folding for Casual Christmas Gatherings

Here are practical, beginner-friendly folding ideas for relaxed celebrations:

Classic Christmas Tree Fold: Ideal for brunches, cookie swaps, and family dinners. Pair with patterned plates, rustic wooden chargers, or simple white dinnerware.
Pocket Fold for Cutlery: Create a neat fold that holds a fork, knife, and spoon. Add a candy cane or small decorative sprig for extra charm.
Triangle Layer Fold: Quick and easy—perfect for stacking napkins on a buffet or setting casual lunch tables.

Styling Tips for Casual Parties:

Use a mix of red and green Christmas napkins to create variety without overwhelming your table.
Combine napkin trees with festive but simple pieces like plaid table runners or solid-color disposable plates.
Consider lightweight, budget-friendly tableware from the Christmas Dinnerware Collection to keep cleanup easy and fast.

Elegant Napkin Folding for Formal Christmas Parties

Napkin Folding Ideas for Elegant Events:

Ornament Wrap Fold: Wrap a napkin around a small gold or silver ornament as a centerpiece for each plate.
Star Point Fold: Create a star-shaped fold using cream, gold, or metallic napkins for a contemporary look.
Decorated Christmas Tree Fold: Add mini stars, ribbon bows, or a sprig of evergreen to the top of your Christmas tree napkin fold.

Choosing the Right Products for Your Napkin Folding

Selecting the right tableware can make your napkin-folding designs shine. Here are a few ideal pairings from Smarty Had A Party:

Gold-Rimmed Dinner Plates for classic elegance
Patterned Holiday Plates for festive charm
Red or Green Plastic Charger Plates for color-rich backdrops
Coordinating Christmas Bundles to match your holiday palette

Christmas Table Décor Napkins: Color Pairing with Red and Green Christmas Napkins

Classic Red & Green Pairings That Always Look Good

Start with your folded napkin trees, then build the color story around them. Here are simple, foolproof ways to pair red and green napkins:

Green Tree + Red Base
- Fold a green paper napkin into a Christmas tree and place it on top of a flat red napkin.
- This creates a layered look where the tree "pops" against a bold red background.
Red Tree + White Plate
- For a twist, fold a red napkin into a tree and set it on a white dinner plate, then place a green charger beneath it.
Pattern + Solid Combo
- Use patterned Christmas napkins laid flat (plaid, snowflakes, holly) with a solid green Christmas tree napkin fold on top to keep things balanced.

A great way to get both color and coordination is to start with holiday-themed plates and then choose napkins around them. The Christmas Dinnerware Collection offers plates, bowls, and tumblers that already blend traditional holiday hues, making it easy to match your napkin trees to the rest of the table. For even more napkin options, explore the dedicated Napkins Collection to mix dinner and cocktail napkins in complementary colors.

Here's a quick cheat sheet for pairing:

Table Theme	Napkin Combo	Plates & Accents Idea
Classic Traditional	Green tree + red base napkin	White plate, gold rim, red candles
Modern Minimal	Solid green tree only	White plates, clear tumblers, eucalyptus sprigs
Cozy Rustic	Plaid flat napkin + green tree on top	Wood chargers, mason jar glasses
Glam & Gold	Green tree + gold-printed cocktail napkin	Gold-rim plates, metallic cutlery, glass look cups

Balancing Color Across the Whole Tablescape

To keep your table from feeling too busy, think of red and green as your anchors and everything else as support players. A few easy rules:

Anchor Color: Choose one dominant shade (often green for the Christmas tree napkin fold) and one accent shade (like deep red).
Neutral Base: Use white or ivory plates so your Christmas napkin folding stands out instead of competing with patterns.
Metallic Touches: Add gold or silver through chargers, cutlery, or rimmed drinkware to make the table feel polished.

Try this simple formula for each place setting:

1 folded Christmas tree napkin (usually green)
1 accent napkin (red or patterned) beneath or beside it
1 coordinating plate
A small detail (mini ornament, candy cane, or place card) near the napkin tree

How to Fold a Paper Napkin into a Christmas Tree for Kids' and Family Tables

Why Kids Love the Christmas Tree Napkin Fold

It looks like a real little tree—instantly recognizable and exciting.
Kids can help fold it (or practice one themselves) with just a few simple steps.
You can decorate each "tree" with stickers, mini stars, glitter dots, or candy canes.
It creates a themed setup that makes Christmas meals feel special and festive.
It keeps them engaged before the food arrives, helping reduce restlessness.

When using this fold for children, choose durable napkins that hold their shape well. Green, red, and patterned napkins work best. For a wide variety of kid-friendly colors and prints, explore the full Napkins Collection—perfect for matching your theme or letting kids pick their own colors.

Step-by-Step: Christmas Tree Napkin Fold for Kids (Fun Version)

Start with a square napkin: Choose bright green, red, or even patterned holiday napkins. Kids love bold colors!
Fold into a triangle: Bring the top edge down to meet the bottom edge.
Fold multiple layers upward: Fold each layer toward the top, leaving visible steps. These become the "tree branches."
Turn the napkin over: Hold folds in place to keep the layers neat.
Fold sides inward: Make the tree narrow and triangle-shaped.
Flip and tuck: Turn the napkin back over and tuck each layer's point under the flap above it. Now you have a full Christmas tree.

Fun Upgrade Ideas:

Add a gold star sticker to the top.
Place a chocolate kiss as the "tree topper."
Sprinkle biodegradable confetti gently around each plate setting.
Add a mini candy cane at the base of each napkin tree.

Making the Kids' Table Extra Special

Use colorful or festive plates from the Christmas Dinnerware Collection as a base for your napkin trees.
Choose unbreakable plastic cups and cutlery for safety and easy cleanup.
Incorporate bright paper placemats or disposable table runners in red, green, or plaid.
Add small activity sheets or crayons at each place setting to keep little ones entertained.

Stylish Christmas Tree Napkin Folding Instructions Using Smarty Had A Party Products

The beauty of the Christmas tree napkin fold is that it instantly becomes more elevated, more polished, and more holiday-ready when paired with the right dinnerware. The fold itself is adorable and festive—but when you style it using thoughtfully chosen plates, chargers, napkins, and accents from Smarty Had A Party, the entire tablescape transforms into a cohesive, elegant Christmas setting that looks professionally designed.

Build the Perfect Base for Your Christmas Tree Napkin Fold

Every beautiful napkin fold deserves a gorgeous foundation. Your plate is the "stage" for your Christmas tree napkin, and choosing the right style can make your fold pop.

1. Solid Color Plates for Maximum Contrast

To make your napkin tree truly stand out, choose plates with clean, bold colors or a subtle, elegant rim:

These styles create visual contrast that highlights your folded napkins. A green tree napkin sits beautifully on a white or gold-rimmed plate, while a red napkin fold pairs perfectly with ivory or metallic-charged plates. Explore these options inside the Christmas Collection to find coordinated sets that match your holiday palette.

2. Patterned Holiday Plates for a Festive Look

If you want your table to feel instantly cheerful and seasonal, pair your napkin tree with plates that feature:

Christmas florals
Snowflakes
Holly and berry prints
Holiday messages

Coordinating Napkins, Chargers & Drinkware for Elevated Styling

Once you've mastered the fold, elevate your presentation using complementary pieces from Smarty Had A Party.

Chargers: Chargers frame your plates and make your napkin trees look more intentional. Options like:

Gold plastic chargers
Red metallic chargers
Green matte chargers

…instantly create depth and dimension at each seat.

Napkins: Pair your folded napkin tree with a second napkin underneath to add contrast. For example:

Fold a green paper napkin into a Christmas tree, then place it on a flat red napkin.
Use patterned napkins beneath solid trees to add layers of festive detail.
Find dozens of coordinating napkins in the Napkins Collection.

Drinkware: Clear or gold-accented tumblers, wine glasses, and champagne flutes complement any Christmas table theme. They bring sparkle without overwhelming your napkin design.

Benefits of Smarty Had A Party Products for Christmas Hosting

Elegant Disposable Quality: Looks like fine china but requires zero cleanup.
Coordinated Collections: Plates, napkins, cutlery, and drinkware all match effortlessly.
Premium Materials: Thick, durable plastic plates and linen-feel napkins that hold shape beautifully for folding.
Endless Styling Options: Classic, modern, rustic, glam, minimalist—there's a design for every table.
Budget-Friendly: Get a high-end look at a fraction of the cost of renting or buying real dinnerware.
Fast Shipping & Lowest Price Guarantee: Orders over $49 ship free, making last-minute hosting stress-free.

For bulk orders or event planning, you can even reach out using the Wholesale Contact Form.

Bring Your Christmas Napkin Folds to Life! Your Christmas table deserves to shine. Turn every folded napkin tree into a stunning centerpiece by pairing it with coordinated, elegant dinnerware from Smarty Had A Party.

Explore the full Christmas collection → Shop Christmas Dinnerware Now!

Final Touches: Festive Garnishes and Party-Ready Christmas Napkin Folding Tips

Festive Garnishes to Dress Up Your Napkin Trees

Mini ornaments
- Place a small ornament at the base of each tree or nestle it into the folds.
- Choose metallics (gold, silver, rose gold) to tie in with your cutlery and chargers.
Stars, bows, and bells
- Add a mini star or bow at the top of the tree using a tiny glue dot or ribbon.
- A jingle bell tied with twine instantly adds sound and sparkle.
Natural touches
- Slip a sprig of pine, rosemary, or eucalyptus into the folds for a fresh, organic look.
- Dried orange slices or cinnamon sticks add a cozy, nostalgic vibe.
Sweet surprises
- Tuck a mini candy cane at the base of each Christmas tree napkin fold.
- Add a wrapped chocolate or mint as a little treat for guests.

Party-Ready Christmas Napkin Folding Tips

Prep folds in advance.
- Fold all your trees the day before and store them in a shallow box or tray.
- Sturdy paper dinner napkins, like Hunter Green Paper Dinner Napkins, hold their shape beautifully even when prepped ahead.
Mix dinner and cocktail napkins.
- Use dinner napkin trees on plates and matching cocktail napkins at the drink station.
- Browse coordinating options in the Napkins Collection to keep colors and textures consistent across the whole space.
Match the fold to the menu.
- Serving a full sit-down dinner? Place tree-folded napkins on dinner plates or chargers.
- Hosting a dessert or cocoa bar? Stack folded trees near dessert plates or mugs so guests can grab one as they serve themselves.
Layer with tablecloths and runners.
- Use red or green plastic tablecloths as a base, then let your napkin trees add dimension on top. Disposable options make cleanup effortless.
Use value sets for instant coordination.
- Bundled Christmas sets (like festive plate-and-cutlery combos in the holiday collections) give you a ready-made palette—just match your Christmas tree napkin folding to the colors in the bundle for a polished look.

Finish your napkin trees with charming garnishes, then pair them with coordinated plates, napkins, and tablecloths from the Christmas collection so your holiday table looks gorgeous and is easy to clean up when the party's over.

Share Your Holiday Style: Inspire Others with #SmartyHadAParty

One of the best parts of creating beautiful holiday tablescapes is sharing them—with family, friends, and an entire community of Christmas-loving hosts who enjoy decorating just as much as you do. Once you've perfected your Christmas tree napkin fold, paired it with coordinated dinnerware, and added the final festive touches, it's time to show it off!

Spread Holiday Joy with Your Christmas Table Inspiration

Post your holiday table photos: Snap a picture of your table, making sure your Christmas tree napkin fold is front and center. Capture different angles—overhead shots, close-ups of the folds, and wide shots showing the whole setup.
Tag your creations using #SmartyHadAParty: By using the hashtag, you'll be featured alongside hundreds of other hosts who love decorating as much as you do.
Share your step-by-step journey: Inspire beginners by showing the folding process—from a flat napkin to a fully shaped Christmas tree. People love seeing behind-the-scenes details.
Highlight your favorite products: Mention your Smarty Had A Party plates, chargers, napkins, or drinkware. When others ask how you pulled off such a beautiful table, you'll have quick recommendations to share. Explore all the styling options in the Christmas Collection.

Bring Your Christmas Table to Life with Festive Napkin Folds

The Christmas tree napkin fold is more than just a decorative touch—it's a miniature celebration sitting right at every guest's place setting. This fold is proof that small details can make the biggest impact. With just a few green paper napkins for Christmas, a little patience, and a bit of creativity, you can transform your entire holiday tablescape into a warm, joyful, and photo-worthy scene. From casual gatherings to glamorous holiday feasts, napkin folding brings elegance and personality to your décor—without adding stress or hours of preparation.

Make your holiday table unforgettable.

✨ Shop the Christmas Collection and start creating your festive masterpiece today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest Christmas tree napkin fold for beginners?

The easiest Christmas tree napkin fold usually starts with a square napkin folded into a smaller square, then layered upwards and tucked to form simple "branches," which works well with both paper and cloth napkins.

How do I fold a napkin like a Christmas tree for my holiday table?

To fold a napkin like a Christmas tree, begin with a square napkin, fold it into a smaller square, rotate it so the open corners face you, then fold each layer upward, flip, and tuck the corners behind to create a layered tree shape.

Can I use paper napkins for easy napkin folding Christmas projects?

Sturdy 2- or 3‑ply paper napkins are great for easy napkin folding Christmas projects because they hold crisp folds and are convenient for large holiday gatherings and buffet-style settings.

What colors work best for Christmas table décor napkins with the tree fold?

Classic green paper napkins for Christmas create a natural tree look, while red and green Christmas napkins, metallic tones, or patterned designs help coordinate with ornaments, runners, and dinnerware.

How do I choose between green paper napkins and cloth napkins for Christmas tree folds?

Green paper napkins are ideal for big parties and quick cleanup, while cloth napkins in deep green or red add a more upscale, reusable option that shows off the Christmas tree napkin fold beautifully.

Are there step by step Christmas tree napkin fold instructions suitable for kids?

Yes, simplified step by step Christmas tree napkin fold tutorials that use fewer layers and bold paper napkins are perfect for kids' tables and family crafting before holiday dinners.

How can I fold napkins like a Christmas tree and still fit cutlery?

You can fold napkins like a Christmas tree, then slip a small fork or candy cane beside the "trunk," or combine the tree fold with a flat plate underneath that holds cutlery and place cards.

What are some styling tips once I learn how to fold a paper napkin into a Christmas tree?

After learning how to fold a paper napkin into a Christmas tree, you can add tiny ornaments, name tags, or sprigs of greenery near the tip of each tree to coordinate with your overall Christmas napkin folding theme.