DIY Wedding Napkin Ring Ideas

Tie up your napkins with creative decorations.

A napkin ring can take a place setting from plain to elegant. The rings should coordinate with your reception's overall style, whether that is modern, quirky, vintage or classic. This will ensure that your table decorations take on a personalized flair while maintaining an impeccable element of visual harmony. Additionally, many of these napkin rings can double as favors for your guests, and you can even tie your place cards to them to act as markers.

Modern Swirls

Metal napkin rings lend a chic, minimalist look to place settings.

Purchase a spool of chunky silver wire with a gauge of 18 or larger. With wire cutters, cut off a length measuring 18 inches for each ring. Place the rolled napkin in the middle of the length and, using a pair of pliers to assist you, wrap the wire around the napkin three times. Bend both loose ends to the top of the roll and twist the ends into tight spirals, beginning at the middle and working your way out. This process is best accomplished with a pair of needle-nose pliers.

Simple Ribbons

If your wedding reception is very color-coordinated, select a napkin ring material that can easily match your decor: ribbon. Cut 7-inch lengths of ribbon for each napkin and trim the edges to diagonals. Not only does this add a refined finish to each ribbon, but it also prevents the ends from unravelling. Tie the ribbons around the rolled napkins, using the remaining length to tie a simple bow at the top.

Classic Pearls

String pearls onto 6-inch lengths of wire to create delicate napkin rings. If you don't wish to add any further embellishment, twist the loose ends together and thread them through the pearls on either side of the twist. Alternatively, you can push the loose ends through the base of a silk flower to add a smattering of charm to the rings.

Vintage Prints

Purchase a yard of vintage-inspired fabric and cut it into strips measuring 8 inches by 3 inches. Select plain wooden or plastic napkin rings and wrap the strips of fabric around the outside edge of the rings. Adjust the fabric as needed and hold it in place with a clothespin at the loose end. Secure the inside of the ring with a few dabs of hot glue and allow the rings to dry completely before using them.

References

• "Brides"; Ribbon Napkin Rings; Polly Atkinson; October 2009