Fall Inspired Napkin Rings – Quick and Easy DIY

Do you need an inexpensive way to spruce up your table decor for fall? These rustic napkin rings might just thing. They’re super easy to make from stuff you probably already have at home and in the garden.

They’re super easy to make from stuff you probably already have at home and in the garden.

All you need are a few empty cardboard rolls, string or twine and seed pods from the garden. If you can’t find pods you can use whatever you have, dried flowers, leaves, shells, beads or even ribbons will all work.

How to make easy fall napkin rings

Cut the carboard rolls into 4 cm (1.5″) pieces. If you want something a little chunkier, cut the rolls wider.  

Paint the inside with Mod Podge or glue to seal them and make them a bit stronger. Once the inside has dried paint the outside and wrap the string or twine  around the roll. We used this really hairy string, which gave the napkin rings such a beautiful texture. It also meant I didn’t have to be too neat with the edges. As long as the string is wrapped reasonably close together.

Clamp the string to prevent it from jumping up while you wait for the Mod Podge to dry. Glue on the seed pod.

We had to make a whole bunch of these for a big party recently and because they’re so easy to put together, it only took an afternoon and we were done.

Add the serviettes or napkins and you’re ready to go.

They’re a lovely, budget-friendly way to dress up a fall table.  

And because they’re so quick to make you’ll have more time to spend with friends and family enjoying the last warm, lazy days of copper sunshine.

If you like the idea of make these quick and easy fall napkin rings don’t forget to pin the tutorial for later

More napkin ring ideas

If you enjoy making a table feel special, here are a few more DIY napkin ring ideas to try:

  1. Bird’s Nest Napkin Rings – sweet little nests for a spring table
  2. Acorn Napkin Rings – a rustic autumn craft with book-page leaves  
  3. Fall Napkin Rings – another handmade idea for autumn gatherings
  4. Fantasy Napkin Rings – a magical craft that uses a bath sponge 
  5. Clay Gnome Napkin Rings – a quick craft using clay and paper napkins
  6. 10-Minute Pebble Napkin Rings – an easy nature-inspired make

Oh, and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered. Disclosure: Clicking on the links below means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry, it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us make more amazing crafts to share with you.

Or if you prefer to buy rather than DIY, then here you go.

And as always, I wish you a wonderful, crafty week filled with lots of love. Thank you for popping in for a visit.

Last update on 2026-10-21 / Source Amazon Affiliates

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14 comments

Kimclark October 2, 2016 - 12:20 pm
These napkins rings are so cool! That's a great idea, thanks so much for sharing.
acraftymix October 2, 2016 - 4:50 pm
Thank you so much Kim
Ana September 28, 2016 - 5:37 pm
Just throw away every empty toilet rolls before seeing your post. You make me think again Michelle. Ok, empty toilet rolls now have place in my plan :) Thanks a lot.
acraftymix September 29, 2016 - 6:23 am
Hey Ana, thanks so much. They do come in really handy. I've got a whole bunch in the garage if you need some ;-)
Kevin E. Brown September 27, 2016 - 9:50 am
Hi Michelle. I'm a huge fan of DIY stuffs and your ideas blow my mind. Those napkin rings are really cute and lovely. What matters is they are easy to make. Thanks a lot for sharing.
acraftymix September 27, 2016 - 10:44 am
Wow, thank you so much Kevin, I really appreciate that.
Pili September 22, 2016 - 2:06 pm
Michelle, those napkin rings are lovely!! So cool you used the pods as an ornament for them, even they are rustic with the twine, they look great with those modern napkins. I need to remember the little details for my next party, thanks for the inspiration!!
acraftymix September 22, 2016 - 3:20 pm
Thanks so much Pili ;-)
Mary-the boondocks blog September 6, 2016 - 4:31 pm
Michelle, I know you made these for me! I have a ton of paper rolls at home, trying to be eco-friendly. And I love, love, love fall ! Also, I am the "twine" lady. Thank you, I will be expecting a package from you. ;)
acraftymix September 8, 2016 - 6:51 am
Lol Mary, it's in the post ;-)
Katrin September 6, 2016 - 3:15 pm
Just WOW! These are beyond adorable Michelle, I love them, the rustic look for fall, aww, just perfect! How clever to use toilet rolls and cover them with the twine! Are those anis stars on them??
acraftymix September 8, 2016 - 7:21 am
Thank you so much Katrin and you're right, those are anis stars. It's such a pretty seedpod, so unusual and it's got such a distinctive flavor. A few years ago I was lucky enough to spend a few weeks in India and fell in love with all the dishes they made using star anise. They call it chakra phool, which if I remember correctly means wheel flower, such a lovely name.
Keri September 6, 2016 - 2:31 pm
Michelle, these napkins rings are so cool!! What a great idea to use toilet paper rolls. They look awesome after your creative updo on them! Those seed pods give it such a beautiful and unique look.
acraftymix September 8, 2016 - 7:28 am
Thank you Keri, I love those pods, they were just perfect for the napkin holders
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