How to elevate paper napkins for Christmas dinner – 6 ways to transform budget paper napkins into creative festive table decor
Christmas decor doesn't need to be expensive in order to look elevated


Christmas is one of those special occasions when we all tend to pull out our best of the best – everything from the best, most festive outfit to the best tableware. But for your Christmas dinner to be special, it doesn’t mean you need to serve it on expensive china or with fancy napkins. In fact, paper napkins will do just fine, as long as you know how to style and elevate them for arguably the most special meal of the year.
As far as Christmas table decoration ideas go, opting for paper napkins as part of your festive tablescape and elevating them with a few easy tricks is a very budget-friendly but creative way of decorating.
‘Paper napkins can be effortlessly elevated with just a few creative touches,’ says Chloe Barrow, interior expert at Laura James.
1. Go for an unusual design
This is not necessarily something you can do with your existing paper napkins that you have at home. But rather if you’re looking to buy paper napkins this Christmas instead of going for fabric ones, then an unusual, creative design will look much more intriguing than a plain one.
Although if you do happen to have plain white paper napkins to hand, along with some coloured marker pens, a pair of scissors, a bit of time and a will to do an easy DIY project, then you can draw and cut out some fun designs similar to the ones below.
A scalloped trim is one of the biggest tableware and home decor trends of the year. And it instantly elevates even a paper napkin design like this one from Talking Tables.
2. Utilise them for DIY Christmas crackers
Did you know you can make Christmas crackers out of napkins? And that goes both for the fabric kind and for paper napkins, too. Apart from the actual napkins, you’ll also need empty toilet paper rolls for structure, pieces of ribbon or twine to tie the sides and some sweets, paper crowns and/or other prizes for the filling.
It’s as easy as and you’ll be left with personalised Christmas crackers that will look all the more elevated exactly for that reason. And you can even turn them into place settings with a simple tag attached to one of the ribbons inscribed with a family member’s name.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
3. Turn them into bows
The trick of folding a napkin into a bow is more common with fabric napkins – but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it with paper ones. You just need some twine to hold it together instead of the traditional napkin ring. I’m particularly impressed with the hack I’ve come across on Lagerhaus’ TikTok of then attaching the paper napkin bow to the cutlery. Genius!
@lagerhausofficial ♬ Christmas Music - Memusic
4. Tie with a ribbon
There are so many ways to decorate with ribbons for Christmas – indeed, there are very few things that a ribbon can’t do. And tying a ribbon over your paper napkin is sure to instantly elevate your Christmas table decor.
‘For a glamorous look, try tying paper napkins with gold or silver bows using ribbon or twine as this is super quick and easy, instantly adding a celebratory and polished touch as an alternative to Christmassy napkin rings,’ Chloe at Laura James says.
5. Add twine and greenery
If luxurious and polished is not quite the vibe you’re going for with your Christmas tablescape and rustic Christmas decorating ideas are more your jam, then you can reflect that in your paper napkin styling.
‘It’s all about those small details,’ says Sam Sutherland, Flitch interior stylist. ‘Simply roll them up and tie with twine and a sprig of rosemary for a lovely rustic look.’
Chloe at Laura James agrees, ‘If you’re opting for a more natural tablescape, swap the ribbon for rustic string or jute and tuck in a sprig of greenery or a small pinecone.’
6. Fold into a Christmas tree shape
‘Fold paper napkins into fun shapes, like Christmas trees,’ Sam at Flitch suggests.
And indeed, folding your napkin into a Christmas tree is one of the best and easiest ways to elevate your paper serviettes, especially as the folding method is exactly the same both for fabric napkins and paper ones.
Now that you know how to jazz up your paper napkins for your Christmas dinner, all that’s left to say is – happy budget Christmas tablescaping!
Sara Hesikova has been a Content Editor at Ideal Home since June 2024, starting at the title as a News Writer in July 2023. She is now also the Ideal Home Certified Expert in Training on Furniture, and so far has tested 80 different sofas.
Graduating from London College of Fashion with a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism in 2016, she got her start in niche fashion and lifestyle magazines like Glass and Alvar as a writer and editor before making the leap into interiors, working with the likes of 91 Magazine and copywriting for luxury bed linen brand Yves Delorme among others.
-
Is open-shelving a stylish storage solution or an impractical trend? Join the debate
Let us know your opinion in the comments
By Rebecca Knight
-
I tested this portable medium-pressure washer and found it perfect for lightweight cleaning tasks on the go
I tested this portable medium-pressure washer and found it perfect for lightweight cleaning tasks on the go
By Linda Clayton
-
This £70 steam cleaner can clean almost anything while being both lightweight and easy to use
It's an affordable buy for smaller homes or flats too
By Annie Collyer
-
IKEA has quietly launched a new storage trolley – its clever shape makes it perfect for blending into your home
The beauty in this trolley is in its simplicity
By Kezia Reynolds
-
Aldi has launched an air fryer in 2025's biggest colour trend - and it's only £30
We're seeing this colour everywhere right now, and Aldi nails it
By Kezia Reynolds
-
This expert-recommended £5 M&S buy will stop yellow stains on your pillows – shoppers are raving about the quality for the price
This bestselling M&S buy solves a common bedding issue, and it's only £5
By Amy Lockwood
-
I give it a week before social media is obsessed with this Addison Ross wireless bobbin lamp – the matching salt and pepper mills have already gone viral
This stunning wireless lamp is my new favourite thing
By Sara Hesikova
-
Habitat's Anthropologie bow mug alts are going viral on TikTok – grab them while you can
The bow trend is going nowhere
By Kezia Reynolds
-
7 ways to store pots and pans in a small kitchen - expert tips for clutter-free cooking
Genius ways of storing cookware in a compact kitchen
By Natasha Brinsmead
-
George Home is selling an air fryer that rivals the coveted Ninja FlexDrawer - it's getting rave reviews from shoppers
The George Home 11L Multi-Drawer Air Fryer has a five-star rating
By Kezia Reynolds
-
5 ways to organise food containers in your kitchen - for clutter-free cupboards that actually close
A ten minute task that provides so much satisfaction
By Holly Cockburn