A Simple Way to Dress Up Paper Napkins

The holidays are fast approaching and it is always fun to come up with new, quick ways to dress up your holiday party supplies.

Today's project uses embossing folders to dress up plain paper napkins. I am entering this project into the Papertrey Pal's embossing challenge that I am hosting. The details are here. Anyone can play along so feel free to join in! I'm also entering this into the Cuttlebug Spot's challenge to decorate items for the dinner table. Join in with that one also if you get a chance!

I thought of this when I was trying to come up with ways to dress up some party favors for my mom's pirate party. I made a stack of these embossed napkins to coordinate with her wine charms for the party.

And then I realized these could be used for other occasions too. So I tried out many different Cuttlebug and Quickutz embossing folders. It's cool how this simple touch can add a lot, and it's fun experimenting with the different folders to see how they look on the napkins!

You can also cut the napkins to whatever size you need too so long as you don't cut on the folds. Then just place the top of the napkin, where the fold is, into the embossing folder and run it through your diecutting machine. You may need to adjust the sandwich so that the embossing is not too deep.

Here are a few examples.

Christmas script napkins...

Elegant brocade napkins (using a 5x7 Cuttlebug embossing folder. The extra length is nice for the longer napkins.)

A closeup...

You can also make 4th of July napkins...

And birthday napkins too.

Now with a stack of plain napkins, you can be set for any occasion.

Just a few tips: these work best with plain dinner napkins. I found some at Big Lots, 20 per pack for $1. They might have them at the dollar store too. I would also suggest rinsing the Cuttlebug folder with soap and water first. For a softer and more subtle impression in the napkin it works well to use the following sandwich: A plate, then embossing folder with napkin, then an extra napkin outside the folder as cushion, and then the C plate. Have fun!

Thanks for taking a look today. Hope you have a sunny day! :)