DIY: How to Make Elegant Napkin Rings with Eucalyptus and Gold Accents

Small Details, Big Impact

There’s nothing quite like a beautifully set table, right? I arrange each plate and detail with care because I truly believe these little touches make all the difference. The way a table looks can completely change the atmosphere of a gathering, making it feel more special, warm, and, well... cozy. I love those moments when my guests feel welcomed the moment they sit down at a table filled with beautiful, natural accents.

A Touch of Nature

I have a soft spot for natural decorations. A sprig of eucalyptus, a hint of raw paper, delicate gold accents – these elements add a subtle charm to the table, bringing in a sense of harmony and calm. Whenever I can, I try to bring a bit of nature indoors because I believe these simple elements can truly transform a space. We don’t need much to create something beautiful – sometimes, just a small touch is enough.

The Joy of DIY

Creating my own decorations is something that relaxes me and brings so much satisfaction. Every napkin ring I made turned out a bit different, each with its own unique character and charming imperfections. I love when each element of the table has its own story and one-of-a-kind look. DIY projects are not only fun but also a way to express myself. And, most importantly, it brings me so much joy to see my guests appreciate these little touches!

Add a Personal Touch

Today, I want to share a simple recipe with you for natural napkin rings with eucalyptus accents. It’s a wonderful way to add a special atmosphere to the table and create something with your own hands. After all, it’s these small, personal touches that make our time at the table even more magical.

FULL VIDEO BELOW:

Here’s what you’ll need:

A long box or cardboard tube (like the inner tube from a paper towel roll). I used a long, round box from a cosmetic product.
Plastic wrap.
Paper pulp (below is a link to show you how to make it).
Eucalyptus branches – or other plants. Feel free to choose your own greenery to style the rings.
A mini drill (mini rotary tool) – or if you don’t have one, making small holes in a thin piece of dried pulp should be easy with a simple tool.
Sandpaper (optional – if you feel your rings need some smoothing).
A marker or something else to mark the spots where the holes will go.
Paint – optional if you want to add some shine, shimmer, or a bit of sparkle.
Knife

Step 1: Wrapping the Tube with Plastic Wrap

To begin, wrap the chosen tube (this can be a cardboard tube from a paper towel roll or another long, round container) with plastic wrap. This will protect the tube's surface and make it easier to remove the paper pulp once it’s dry, preventing it from sticking to the form.

Tube wrapped in plastic wrap, prepared as a mold for DIY napkin rings made with paper pulp.

Step 2: Applying the Paper Pulp

In this step, apply the paper pulp onto the wrapped tube. If you don’t have a clear shape in mind, you can cut out a shape from paper, place it between the packaging and the plastic wrap, and simply follow its outline as a guide for forming the pulp. In this step, apply the paper pulp onto only half of the tube's circumference. This is because the pulp needs to dry while lying flat, and if you applied it all the way around, the bottom part would simply detach. Allow this first half to dry completely before proceeding to cover the other side.

Smooth the paper pulp using a knife or another flat tool. This will help create an even surface for the napkin ring, giving it a more polished look once it’s dry.

Hands using a knife to smooth paper pulp on a plastic-wrapped tube for creating a DIY napkin ring

Next, set the entire piece aside to let the paper pulp dry completely. This step ensures the pulp hardens and retains its shape before proceeding to the other side.

Hand holding a plastic-wrapped tube with a smooth layer of paper pulp applied to half of the surface, prepared to dry as part of a DIY napkin ring project.

Step 3: Applying Pulp to the Other Half

Once the first half of the ring has dried, you can begin applying paper pulp to the remaining part of the tube. Smooth the pulp carefully as you did before to maintain an even texture.

After applying pulp to the entire surface, set the piece aside once again to let it dry completely. This ensures the napkin ring hardens uniformly and is sturdy enough for use.

Hands applying paper pulp to the other half of a plastic-wrapped tube after the first half has dried, continuing to shape the DIY napkin ring.

Hands holding a dried paper pulp napkin ring, ready for the next step of adding botanical elements, as part of a DIY project.

In the meantime, if you feel that your ring needs a smoother finish, use sandpaper to refine the surface. This step will help achieve a more polished and even texture, making the ring look more finished.

Hands holding a dried paper pulp napkin ring, prepared for optional sanding to smooth the surface as part of a DIY project.

Step 4: Attaching the Botanical Elements

Once the entire ring is completely dry, it's time to add the botanical elements. Use your chosen branches (eucalyptus or other plants) and attach them to the ring, creating a natural and decorative touch.

Hands holding a sprig of eucalyptus, preparing to attach it as a decorative element on a DIY napkin ring.

Start by drilling holes in the spots you previously marked. These holes will be used to attach the botanical elements securely to the ring.

Hands using a drill to create holes in a dried paper pulp napkin ring as part of the DIY assembly process.

Close-up of a dried paper pulp napkin ring with drilled holes, ready for attaching botanical elements in a DIY project.

In the next step, insert the branches into the drilled holes and secure them from the inside with a bit of paper pulp. This will keep the botanical elements firmly in place and add stability to the overall structure.

Seal the holes from the outside as well, covering them with a bit of paper pulp. This will help secure the botanical elements firmly in place and give the ring a smoother finish.

Hands sealing the holes on a paper pulp napkin ring with additional pulp after inserting botanical elements, finalizing the DIY project.

Set the ring aside to dry completely. At this stage, you can also shape the branches to your liking. If you want your branches to have a slight curve, like I did, use binder clips to secure them to the edge of a round bowl or container to create the arched shape.

DIY napkin ring with eucalyptus branches clipped to the edge of a bowl to form a curved shape while drying.

Step 5: Adding Final Touches with Gold Accents

In the final step, if you’d like, you can add gold accents to enhance the look. I used gold paint to add a subtle touch to both the ring and a few eucalyptus leaves, giving the piece a bit of shimmer and elegance.

Hand painting gold accents onto a paper pulp napkin ring and eucalyptus leaves for a decorative, elegant finish on a DIY project.