There is a tiny bit of table magic hidden in every pair of disposable chopsticks: the paper wrapper. Instead of tossing it aside, you can fold it into an adorable little ribbon that cradles your chopsticks off the table—equal parts tidy and charming.

The best part? It takes almost no folds, so you will have it memorized by the second try. Whether your wrapper is long or short, you can adapt the shape on the fly. Next time you unwrap a pair of chopsticks, give this little ribbon rest a fold.

If you make this from a chopstick wrapper, you don’t need to prepare it ahead of time—you can simply fold it up in a flash when the food arrives, so just remember the steps.

Once you know both versions, you can choose the long or short wrapper style as needed.

How to fold an origami ribbon chopstick rest

This time we’re not using origami paper; we’ll fold it from the chopstick wrapper itself.

If you use origami paper instead, it will be a bit long, so trim it to the right length before you begin.

Let’s start folding!

Step 1: Prepare a chopstick wrapper (the paper sleeve). A short wrapper will make a cute little ribbon.

Step 2: Fold it in half horizontally.

Step 3: Fold the folded edge in half to mark a crease.

Step 4: Fold the corners diagonally to form a triangle.

Step 5: Open the folded corner back out, then use the crease to tuck the corner inside.

Step 6: Open it up, leaving a triangular flap. Do the same on the other side.

Step 7: Fold one corner toward you. Fold the opposite corner the other way.

Step 8: Open it out. As you press, shape the bump in the middle into a square and flatten it.

Step 9: Done!

Step 10: Fold the corners at both ends to make it look even more like a ribbon.

Step 11: Gently place your chopsticks in the rest.

Great work!

How was it?

Since there are only a few folds, you’ll likely memorize the technique as you go, so do add it to your repertoire!