Apparatus and method for automatically wrapping silverware in a napkin

An apparatus for wrapping a napkin around one or more utensils, said apparatus comprising:

• a utensil manipulator for placing a utensil adjacent a surface of a napkin, wherein said utensil has a first end and a second end defining a longitudinal axis and for folding said napkin in a U-shape around said utensils with napkin portions extending past said first and second ends;
• first and second utensil engaging devices for releasably engaging said first and second ends of said utensil and said portions of said napkin respectively adjacent said first and second ends of said utensil, such that said portions of said napkin and said utensil are held in a fixed relative position for folding said first and second portions over the ends of the utensil;
• and
• a napkin guide for orbiting said longitudinal axis to wrap said napkin around said utensil such that said napkin guide contacts said napkin and thereby wraps said napkin around said utensil while said napkin portions and utensil are held in fixed relative position.