By Susie Hovater Malone / Lifestyles Columnist

According to Cheri McCain, program chairman for the Cultura Garden Club, creative napkin folding is an easy way to elevate your tabletop décor by enhancing the atmosphere through improving your place settings with additional attention to detail.

One important napkin folding technique is to iron napkins before folding them in order to get crisp creases. First impressions matter, and attention to detail makes all the difference. McCain also shared ideas specifically for children and teenagers.

While there are a number of types of napkin folds, only a few were presented:

• The flat fold napkin is the simplest and works well alongside a bright and bold tablescape.
• A knotted napkin fold gives tablescapes a soft, relaxed feel that looks graceful and romantic in any setting.
• Rolled napkins come in two ways—the circular and the loosely folded, known as waterfall or draped napkins. The draped napkin is great for a pretty pop of color to offset a classic white tablecloth.
• A square fold is a modern napkin style.
• The triangular fold with its sharp corners and edges adds geometric flair to the tablescape
• One of the most elegant types of napkin folds is the rectangular fold.
• The diamond pouch is a long diamond shape with sharp corners at each end lengthwise, creating a pouch perfect for holding flatware, dried flowers or a menu.
• A bowtie fold creates a playful atmosphere that is a neat and elegant way to connect theme to décor.

Other suggestions include adding napkin rings and tucking in utensils, menus, place cards or party favors. Additional suggestions included using monogrammed napkins to create a sophisticated tone, as well as adding a sprig of greenery or flowers.

The meeting took place at the beautiful home of Debra and Mickey Spillers. Decorative accents featuring fall colors were used throughout the house. Martha Sibley served as co-hostess. President Debbie Nale welcomed new members Ann Marie Bucholts, Kyra Britton and Julie McKinney. Nale presented an institute on decorating for Thanksgiving. Sibley gave a brief report on the GCA District I Fall Meeting held in Red Bay, providing highlights of guest speaker Mike Ezell’s presentation on Alabama native flowers and wildflowers.

Patricia Cox reviewed the schedule for decorating the courthouse, post office, small pole decorations, Christmas tree and adding pine and magnolias in the downtown pots. The program for the Every Light a Prayer for Peace and Christmas tree lighting ceremony was approved.

Members also approved supporting the Russellville Hospital City Lake Christmas tree fundraiser. Proceeds will go to building a new emergency room. In support of the Russellville Fire Department toy drive, the members voted to donate $300.

The Alabama State Light a Prayer for Peace which will be held Dec. 1 in Montgomery was discussed. A Christmas tea reception will be held after the Christmas tree lighting at the Governor’s Mansion. Several members made tentative plans to attend.