These DIY Napkin Rings Will Be the Star of Your Next Dinner Party

Step up your table settings with stylish homemade napkin rings. They’ll easily dress up your Thanksgiving table, and you’ll get bragging rights for making them yourself. Whether made of paper, clay, or yarn, these simple projects invite color and texture to the party. 

These gorgeous napkin ring projects can be completed in an afternoon. Plus, they can all be customized to fit the dishes, napkins, and placemats you already have, and you can make as many as you need. Pick one of our easy ideas and make a whole set, or mix and match different styles in the same color family for a truly gorgeous display.

Use our easy ideas to set the table with one-of-a-kind napkin rings that’ll be the star of your next gathering. Our free printable download has all the patterns you need, and we're sharing easy instructions for each below.

Millinery Napkin Rings

Inspired by hat decor, prewired faux flowers make lovely bouquets. Use paper stem wire to form a ring shape, then add blooms and leaves in your preferred color scheme to create a small bouquet. Once you're happy with the size and shape of your arrangement, wrap the stems around the ring shape with florists tape to secure them.

Cork Paper Napkin Rings

This DIY napkin ring is an easy trace-and-cut project. Choose a cork paper that suits your color palette (cork paper is available at crafts stores in a variety of colors) and use our printable download to cut out the leaf shape and slits. Or, freehand any other seasonal shape you like (such as Christmas trees or acorns) onto the cork paper for an easy but elegant look. Secure the ring around the napkin by sliding one end into the other via the cut slits.

Baked Clay Napkin Rings

Use cut-glass or textured drinkware to make stylish impressions in oven-bake clay. Roll out any color of clay and slowly roll your textured surface over the clay to create a pattern. Cut the clay into strips and use a small round spice jar to form the clay into rings. Be sure to handle the clay gently so you don't ruin the design, then bake the clay according to package directions.

Painted and Waxed Paper Napkin Rings 

With a wash of craft paint, melted wax, and some creative folding, a humble grocery bag becomes an artistic interpretation of fall leaves. Use multiple warm hues for the leaves or choose a single color to coordinate with your linens.

Braided Yarn Napkin Rings 

These gorgeous napkin rings add color and texture to any table setting. To make them, braid several strands of yarn in whatever color you like (or use multiple colors in the same family for an extra colorful look). Hemp cord wraps around the rubber band that holds the braid’s start and finish for a quick and easy DIY napkin ring.