Tablescaping at the Lianshulu Lodge in Namibia was fanciful. Each meal was decorated with fresh-cut branches, intriguing little pods, local craft art such as warthogs and dragonflies. One evening, the napkins were folded as ostriches, and later we were taught the technique. I was EXCITED for the demo, don’t laugh.
After several days of pretty tables and decorated plates, I really wanted some insights. Men and women watched. There we were all being quite “Martha” in the middle of the African bush. Give it a try:
- Start with a thin fabric napkin, square in shape.
- Fold the square in half to make a triangle.
- Roll the longest side tightly to the half-way point, then turn it over so the remaining “triangle” of fabric is folding over the top of the roll, not coming from underneath. Apparently this makes a difference.
- Bend, and stuff into your wine glass.
- Fold the “wings” out over the glass rim.
- Bend one end of the roll down to make the tail.
- Keep the other end long and pull it to stand straight up.
- Bend just the tip of the upright end to form the head.
About The Trip: May/June 2010 – Larry and I traveled to Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia on an “Ultimate Africa” Safari by Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT). Staying in authentic safari lodges and tent camps in prime game-viewing locations, the trip was, in a word: Magical. Mado, 15-year seasoned guide kept our group of 11 moving constantly, fed often, cocktailed at just the right times and well informed on any species of mammal, reptile, bird or plant we saw. HUNDREDS. We’ve traveled with many tour companies and would put OAT at the very top of the list in terms of service, quality, activities and sites. If you ever book a trip with this tour company, please tell them Patti & Larry Londre referred you – full disclosure: OAT travelers earn travel credits this way. Bon voyage!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This is too cute! I love seeing these on the cruises but never knew how to make them. Thank you for the tutorial.
You know what? It works! Cute as can be and made my husband laugh.
What a great idea! I’m absolutely going to use this for my next dinner party. Your posts are so much fun! Thanks.
Sounds like your trip to Africa was fantastic. With this post, you brought back memories of napkin folding – I worked at the Broadmoor Resort for two summers while in college. I learned many fancy folds but never an ostrich.