Copper Napkin Rings

Etch a custom design and bring handcrafted flair to your holiday table

- BY CARMEN DE LA PAZ

Family gatherings, holiday get-togethers, dinner parties ... no matter the occasion, customizing your dining table should be a fun challenge, not a chore. The trick is to be creative and personal without going over-the-top kitschy. And in my opinion, napkin rings are one of the easiest ways to set the stage for any table.

This handmade version features copper etching with a patina finish. The warm, rustic rings use precut copper pipe, so once you gather your supplies, you can finish a set in less than an hour and a half.

The best part? Once you know how copper etching works, you’ll find plenty of new ways to use the technique in other projects. These napkin rings are a perfect introduction and guaranteed to spark conversation at your next dinner party. Don’t forget to say, “Yes, I made them!”

1 PREP THE COPPER PIPE

To ensure that the napkins fit easily and to leave ample room for a design, use copper pipes that are at least 2 in. long and 1½ in. in diameter.

The copper needs to be free of dirt, oil and fingerprints before it is etched. Oil residue is often left behind on pipes during manufacturing, and even the oil on your fingers can compromise the etching process, so wipe down each pipe with alcohol and a cotton rag or use packaged alcohol swabs.

2 MASK THE INSIDE OF THE COPPER PIPE