The Art of Napkin Folding    by Gay Merrill Gross Order:  USA  Can Laurel Glen, 2004 (2004) Hardcover      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Did you ever lay the table for a special dinner with family or guests and wish you could do something more with napkins than plunk them down folded vertically or diagonally? Do I have the book for you (and for me, since I've long aspired to better dressed tables!) The Art of Napkin Folding comes as a 64-page book, illustrated with clear directions and enticing color pictures of desired results. There's also a 'fine lawn napkin' for practice. My teen son, who enjoys origami, pounced on the book and was quickly creating complex folds. When I managed to get a turn, I found the directions straightforward and achieved a 'Wheat Stalk' in no time at all. Of course, that was the simplest design - they increase in complexity through the book, and some use double napkins (in contrasting colors). There are designs to hold cutlery, chopsticks, flowers, breadsticks, candy, nuts, name cards, and menus, as well as a variety suitable for buffet table presentations. I found the 'Water Lily' and 'Rose' gorgeous, and the 'Dinner Jacket' and 'Butterfly' elegant. Keep The Art of Napkin Folding at hand for festive occasions, or give a copy as a gift, one which will be most welcome. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews