Using napkin rings is a lot like wearing a beautiful outfit. People may not think twice if you show up wearing your usual clothes, but if you show up in an elegant or brightly-colored outfit with accessories to match, you’ll absolutely turn heads! The same principle applies to napkin holders. While dinner guests may not mind if your table lacks certain flourishes or decorations, they will absolutely take notice if you’re using custom-made wooden napkin holders.
At Woodpeckers, we specialize in all things DIY using strong, smooth, high-quality wood. We provide the materials and shapes — but the rest is up to you! So if you’re completely new to setting a “fine” dining table or using wooden serviette rings, we’re here to help. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from how to use a napkin ring to what styles of wooden napkin rings will make your dining area the talk of the neighborhood!
Wooden napkin rings styles
There are nearly limitless styles for napkin rings, but the key characteristic is that they can hold a rolled-up or folded napkin in place. Beyond that, the sky’s the limit! As long-time crafters ourselves, we like to focus on the styles that you can get the most mileage out of. In other words, we want you to be able to use your DIY napkin rings more than once!
It’s also important to remember that you don’t have to be selfish with your wooden napkin rings — you can spread the joy to everyone you know! Regardless of the specific style, homemade napkin rings can make great housewarming gifts, thank-you gifts, birthday gifts, or gifts for just about any occasion. It’s all about crafting a beautiful set that you know will be cherished for years to come. So, with that in mind, let’s check out some of our most popular wooden napkin ring styles.
Classic wooden napkin rings
Napkin rings don’t need to be overly complex to add a touch of luxury and beauty to your table. The classic wooden napkin ring is pretty simple — it’s a short, wooden cylinder that can hold a rolled or folded napkin in place. It has a smooth exterior that can easily be stained or styled to match your aesthetic needs.
Vintage wooden napkin rings
Vintage wooden napkin rings throw things back a bit by appealing to the nostalgic side in all of us. Who doesn’t want to go back to a time when table settings were perfectly designed for high-end dinner parties? Well, with a couple of these rings in your hands, nothing’s stopping you from being the king or queen of timeless dining experiences — even in the comfort of your own home! At Woodpeckers, our vintage wooden napkin rings feature clean indentation cuts near the top and bottom, giving them a more ornate look than the classic design.
Wedding wooden napkin rings
Similar to vintage napkin rings, wooden wedding napkin rings are a simple yet elegant way to make an eye-catching dining table. Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all napkin ring for wedding events. Whether you want to have an intimate one-on-one dinner where you can pop the question, a bridal shower, or a full wedding reception, there are a variety of napkin ring designs that could fit the vibe of the moment. For example, Woodpeckers offers fun diamond ring napkin holders that offer a quirky way to get all your guests in the mindset of a day for love and festivities!
Napkin ring decoration ideas
Are you itching to get started on your first (or next) napkin ring crafting project? If so, we’ve got tons of ideas to help you get started!
Stained napkin rings
For a homemade touch that still looks refined, you can’t go wrong by staining your unfinished wooden napkin rings. Using a natural wood stain provides a classic look that can be used for casual get-togethers, formal events, and everything in between.
Rustic napkin rings
If you want something a bit more natural, consider adorning your wooden napkin rings with twine, burlap, or dried flowers. Adding small wooden embellishments like carved initials or tiny pinecones can give them a fun “farmhouse” look.
Mix-and-match napkin rings
You can make your napkin rings unique by incorporating the unexpected and really channeling your creative spirit. Attach small charms, beads, or even tiny bells to give them a one-of-a-kind appeal. Mixing materials like leather or metal accents can also create a stylish contrast.
Festive napkin rings
Seasonal napkin rings can bring warm and fuzzy feelings to holiday gatherings in a pinch. Customize your wooden napkin rings for different occasions, such as:
- Autumn - Attach miniature pumpkins, dried leaves, or cinnamon sticks to capture the cozy feel of fall.
- Christmas - Wrap your napkin rings in red and green ribbon, glue on tiny ornaments, or paint them with festive designs.
- Thanksgiving - Use warm-toned fabric, tiny turkey charms, or wheat sprigs for a harvest-inspired look.
- Easter - Paint them in pastel shades, add tiny wooden bunnies, or wrap them with lace for a soft, springtime feel.
How to fold napkins for napkin rings
Napkin rings work best with neatly folded cloth napkins. A well-folded napkin adds a beautiful touch to any table setting and enhances the overall presentation of the meal. Here’s our step-by-step guide to achieving a polished look with fabric napkins:
- Choose the right napkin. As previously mentioned, fabric napkins work best, as they hold their shape much better than paper napkins. You can also opt for cotton or linen if it suits your tastes.
- Lay the napkin flat on a clean surface. Ensure it is smooth and free of wrinkles for a neat finish.
- Fold the napkin into a rectangle. Bring two opposite edges together to create a long, even strip. This will make a uniform base for more folding a little later on.
- Roll the napkin neatly. Starting at one end, roll the napkin tightly toward the other end. This creates a clean, simple look that easily fits into a napkin ring.
- (Optional) Try the accordion fold for a decorative flourish. Instead of rolling, fold the napkin back and forth in equal sections, like an accordion. Once folded, pinch the center and slide it through the napkin ring, allowing the ends to fan out attractively.
- Put the napkins in the ring. Slide one end through the wooden napkin ring until it sits securely in the middle.
- Adjust for volume and symmetry as needed. Gently tug at the edges to create a fuller, more balanced look. Make sure the napkin flares out evenly for a refined presentation.
Buy bulk wooden napkin rings online
If you want to have enough napkin rings to support a dinner party or large event, you’ll need to buy in bulk. Woodpeckers is a trusted name in DIY wood crafting materials, offering durable, unfinished wooden napkin rings — perfect for a wide range of projects. We even have wooden ring washers that give you even more sizes to work with! Whether you’re gearing up for a wedding, a holiday gathering, or just a quiet family dinner, we can provide you with the wooden napkin rings you need to customize and enhance your dinner table — or even create a gift to help someone else enhance their dinner table!
Did you enjoy our wooden napkin rings guide? Be sure to check out our wood napkin rings craft shop to find the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one!
