Don't Toss Old Napkin Rings - Here Are 10 Creative Ways To Repurpose Them

Nothing puts a finishing touch on a place setting quite like an elegant napkin ring, so its understandable that you may have a decent collection to match different dining occasions. Some napkin rings are easy to craft, and are surprisingly chic, too. And if you're an avid DIYer or decorator, you may have an abundance of these stylish table setting tools at your disposal. Though versatility may not be a characteristic that comes to mind when you think about your napkin ring trove, these pieces can surprisingly come in handy for different purposes around the house, like highlighting bouquets, creating fun holiday decor, and more.

If you've been lamenting lately on how many napkin rings you have amassed throughout your dinner hosting days, don't fret too much. Rather than tossing them out, discover the number of ways you can creatively repurpose them for another shot at life. From fun and whimsical decor ideas to improved tables-scape designs and functional reuse suggestions, one (or all!) of these hacks, DIYs, and recycles/upcycles may be the perfect choice for your collection, regardless of what material or design of rings you have.

For any impending brides in need of a bouquet or for those who love a good flower arrangement for parties, this creative way of repurposing napkin rings is an extremely aesthetic DIY. Gather flower stems, whether they be live or life-like decorative fake flowers, and wrap them together in your favorite paper. Then slip the napkin ring over the bundle to secure it together. The ring simultaneously spruces up the flower arrangement, and also provides a practical spot to carry it from place or place. The ring can also help it sit upright in a vase.

This idea takes a bit more effort, but it may be one of the most useful DIYs you can do if you're a sewing enthusiast. Grab one of your napkin rings, ideally one that doesn't have an opened-sided design, and stuff it with a soft material. Cut some fabric to size to glue over the stuffing. Ideally, this fabric should be thin enough for a needle to go through but sturdy enough to support it. The end result is a unique, one-of-a-kind pin cushion that's both cute and useful. 

A fantastic activity for adults and children who love to get in the holiday spirit — repurposing your old napkin rings into festive decorations. For a mini-holiday wreath design, attach materials like pine or holly around the outer ring of the napkin holder, trying your best to hide as much of the underlying napkin ring as possible. Once you're satisfied with your mini-wreaths, string them up individually or build out a holiday table-scape. Crocheters can also macrame ornaments from thin napkin rings, though this DIY is better suited for experienced crafters rather than littles.

Although napkin holders are a great option for creating stylish wall storage, napkin rings can be a great option, too. This wall organizer can help keep your beauty tools in one spot and free your surfaces from clutter. This hack is also super simple. All you have to do is glue thicker napkin rings to a stiff board, then mount it on the wall. Store your hairbrushes, hair ties, and other useful things right within reach in your bathroom or vanity.

As it so happens, some napkin rings have similar circumferences as tea light candles, and this serendipitous revelation gives us the perfect excuse to dress up our petite candles with a little flare. Simply slip your tea light into the center of the napkin ring for the easiest holder. Just be careful to pair napkin rings that are the same height as the candle so the flame doesn't get too close to the interior of the ring. Keep in mind to avoid a napkin ring made of a flammable material. If you're worried, it may be best to use a battery-powered option.

Think of your scarf as one big napkin to arrange around your shoulders and neck, and then you'll see the vision for this napkin ring upgrade. Fold your scarf over so it creates a triangular shape before you drape it over your shoulders, then thread the two pointed ends of the scarf through the napkin ring, pushing the ring up towards your neck. Once it's at a comfortable position, ensure enough fabric is in the ring so that it doesn't slide down, or tie off a knot to stop the ring from slipping.

Your old napkin rings can still be a part of your table decor, even if it's not strictly to adorn napkins. To spruce up place settings, pull sprigs of fresh herbs or flowers through the napkin ring to craft little bunches of flora that can be sprinkled throughout the table or placed at each individual setting. Use larger sprigs for a grander impact for projects like center pieces or cocktail table decor. For a fun touch, swap in themed plants for the relevant season, like holly for winter or lavender for spring.

In the same vein as table-scape decor, utilize old napkin rings to craft place card holders. You can be creative with this upcycling idea — use clothespins to attach the name cards to the ring itself or even dress up the rings with silk flowers or ribbons. If you'd like to give these place card holders away to guests as a party favor idea, affix their name straight onto the ring using glue or tape. For a more personalized and elegant touch, attach your guests' first initial onto the ring too!

While you're typically not holding a shot glass in your hand for very long most of the time, on the occasion that you do sip out of it, having a shot glass holder can be both decorative and functional. Wicker or straw napkin rings, in particular, will work well at adding texture and interest to your shot glasses during your next cocktail party. It's also a fantastic way to dress up those old souvenir shot glasses to hide any logos for more versatile service ware; think amuse-bouche in a shot glass or a miniature cocktail.

Though you may think it's time for new napkin rings to update your table decor, you can actually upcycle your current rings to breathe new life into them. This idea mitigates waste, and turns something old into something new again. Like the holiday craft or place card holder idea, gather seasonal themed materials from your local craft store and glue them straight onto the old napkin ring, or upcycle them to match the occasion. For a bridal brunch, for example, glue gemstones onto the holder to simulate an engagement ring or to glam up your event.