How to Make Napkin Rings: Step by Step Instructions

Growing up in my house was like growing up with Emily Post or Miss Manners. You just knew etiquette – it was part of your legacy. It wasn’t a choice. So, with that, you can imagine that you had to give into the multiple sets of beautiful expensive dishes, separate salt cellars, napkins, goblets, and yes, the almighty napkin ring. Oh, how I hated the napkin ring – it always had to match! Of course, now that I am an adult, my children get to experience the dreadful multiple dishes, salt cellars with their own silver spoons, goblets, napkins, and yes…the dreadful napkin ring trauma that I endured…isn't it wonderful?

So, I have decided to share this little inexpensive napkin ring trick with you. You will never have to pay retail prices again when you see how easy, quick and inexpensive it is to make napkin rings for a fraction of the price. Moreover, when you look in your drawer (if you are a napkin ring connoisseur) you will think – I can’t believe I have spent this much money on napkin rings when I could have been making them myself!

On the other hand, if you are not a napkin connoisseur, you will be soon!

The material list is for reference - you can basically use anything you desire. For this purpose, I will just go through the basics and you can pick your own products and follow the steps.

• Elastic Cord
• Nail/Super Glue (fingernail glue that brushes on works great)
• Beads (your choice) - Use your imagination - don't be afraid of color!
• Scissor/clipper
• Measuring tape
• Napkins

Gather materials

**Cut a 10" piece of elastic for each napkin ring**

1. String beads - rotating based on your pattern until you have strung 4 inches of beads - try to end so the pattern is intact when you bring the two sides together for tying the knots
2. Take the ends and tie a knot twice
3. Glue the knot
4. Trim excess elastic with clipper/scissor (leave a little for tucking)
5. Tuck ends into bead

• free form the napkin for a great napkin ring fit
• use a clipper instead of scissors - they are easier to handle
• tie the knot near a bead with a larger hole and tuck the remaining elastic into the bead
• if using a focal bead - make the elastic stop at the underneath of the focal bead
• if using jingle bells - tuck the elastic in the bell opening to hide it
• Use red and green jingle bells for the holidays