Gorgeous Nature Inspired Napkin Rings for Your Thanksgiving Table

I came across the ugliest pale yellow plastic napkin rings at my local thrift store for 10 cents a piece. I almost passed them up but I knew with a coat of paint I could transform them into something beautiful.

There is a pine tree near my office that drops the prettiest pinecones. They look just like little flowers. Not sure what type of pine tree it is, but I scooped up the little beauties whenever I saw them on my walks.

Have you looked at the price of some of the fancier napkin rings at the stores lately? They will run you upwards of $4-$10 each! That adds up fast if you are setting a table for 10 or 12.

This is one of the easiest craft projects to make, and it will cost you just pennies to make 1/2 a dozen napkin rings. I spent less than a dollar to make six. Deal of the century! Plus I think they are prettier than anything I have seen at the stores!

Supplies you will need to create these gorgeous nature inspired napkin rings:

• Power drill & drill bit(s)
• Pine cone rosettes
• Napkin rings
• Paint & paintbrush or spray paint
• Hot glue gun & glue sticks

Using a power drill, drill a hole in each napkin ring about a 1/4 inch big. Start with a smaller drill bit and then use a larger one until you get the hole the size you need it. The holes needed to be large enough to allow the back tip of the rosette to fit inside the hole so it sits more flush against the napkin ring. The hole will be filled with hot glue which creates a stronger bond to hold the rosette in place.

I choose to paint the napkin rings white; that way the brown pine cones pop against the white napkin rings. I used leftover chalk paint that I had from painting my china hutch, so I sealed the paint with a little wax; not necessary if you are using spray paint or a latex paint.

Thinking about chalk painting a piece of furniture? Learn how to do it with step by step instructions and illustrations here. It’s easier than you think!

Once the paint has dried attach a rosette to each napkin ring with a generous dab of hot glue.

Fill the drilled hole with hot glue from the backside and let it dry completely.

Keep adding glue until the hole is completely filled and the glue covers any rough edges from drilling the hole. This will prevent the napkin from catching on any rough edges and cover up the ugly raw edges.

Allow the glue to completely dry.

That’s it! Now you can enjoy using your beautiful napkin rings!

What a lovely addition for your Thanksgiving table!

Pinecones work just as well for Christmas. Switch out the fall napkins with brightly colored Christmas inspired napkins. Adding a sprig of greenery would be lovely too!

They would look just as lovely on your Christmas table!

So the next time you are on a walk be sure to keep your eyes peeled for treasures from Mother Nature. Natural elements make the loveliest accents for your home!