It’s nearly impossible to make nice folds without a flat surface. Wipe down a table, counter, or desk to use for your folding tasks.

Turning the napkin this way is just to help you keep things straight as you’re folding.

This creates the pouch that you will eventually be able to put silverware into.

These folds are what will hold the front pouch in place so it doesn’t come loose later on.

You can set this napkin on top of a dinner plate, or you can put it off to the side of the plate, just depending on what look you prefer.

For this particular fold, it really helps the napkin keep its shape if it has crisp creases along each fold. Use an iron if you’re having trouble getting the napkin to keep its shape.

To accordion-fold, simply fold the napkin under and then over, back and forth, until the entirety of the fabric is 1⁄4 inch (0. 64 cm) wide.

The napkin will look a bit like a scrunched up piece of fabric at this point, but don’t worry! It’ll turn into a fan quickly.

At this stage, the napkin should look like a fan. It isn’t able to fully stand up on its own yet without falling apart, but you should be able to see its final form taking shape.

You could also make a fan for a napkin ring if you’d prefer to use rings with your place setting.

Make sure you’re working on a clean, flat surface. It’ll be much easier to roll and fold the napkin this way.

At this stage, the napkin should be wound up pretty tightly and will be the size of a small ball.

It’s okay if this part doesn’t look perfect. It’ll actually end up being covered and on the underside of the rose.

The corners end up forming the “leaves” that sit around the edge of the actual rose.

Avoid touching the rose too much. While it should be pretty secure, pulling at the material a lot could mess up the look of it.

For this particular fold, use green or red napkins for an even more festive look.

The border will eventually help to form the different levels of the tree.

In all, there should be 5 visible triangles when you’re finished making your folds.

Take your time and refold if needed.

Peeking from behind this edge will be a much smaller triangle from the material on the other side of the napkin—leave this piece of fabric unfolded, as it is meant to be the top of your tree.

When you’re done, you can place the tree on a dinner plate for a festive presentation.