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‘Tis the season for hosting – and, in our view, the secret to a design-forward table lies in the details. Yes, invest in the right cutlery and crockery, but the true joy comes from the unsung heroes of tableware: the butter dishes, the salt shakers, the napkin rings. These characterful add-ons are where you can introduce real nuance.
Read on for our selection of sleek, quirky and design-led napkin holders – small but mighty pieces to elevate your seasonal table.
This refined, artisanal-feeling napkin holder echoes Buccellati’s iconic 1960s Tahiti collection, drawn from Gianmaria Buccellati’s original designs. Crafted in sterling silver with accent materials, it conveys a natural sensibility inspired by the landscapes that once captivated Paul Gauguin.
This surrealist-inflected quartet of ceramic napkin rings brings visual intrigue to the table. Featuring two checkerboard patterns, sculpted lips and a mussel motif, the set reflects Wouters & Hendrix’s flair for whimsical, thought-provoking design.
Hand-crafted and glazed in fine porcelain, the Terra Cuff Napkin Rings draw on organic forms inspired by the earth. Their sculpted silhouettes offer a quietly expressive, artisanal elegance, while remaining durable and practical – microwave- and dishwasher-safe without sacrificing character.
Playful yet true to Alessi’s streamlined elegance, the Girotondo napkin ring showcases the signature ‘little man’ silhouette first seen on the brand’s classic trays, alongside other lighthearted motifs. Its cheerful, contemporary spirit captures the brand’s creativity.
These polished brass Maski napkin rings bring playful sophistication to the table, featuring mask-inspired engravings by Jaime Hayon. Their expressive lines embody Paola C’s art-driven approach, transforming functional objects into collectible pieces.
Smooth, chic and sleek, these mirror-polished stainless-steel napkin rings highlight the clean geometry and refined simplicity synonymous with Georg Jensen. The subtle art deco fluting draws from Sigvard Bernadotte’s iconic 1930s functionalist design, offering a practical yet sophisticated touch.
Cast in solid brass, the Flow Napkin Rings embrace organic shapes inspired by nature. Each piece features a unique silhouette that adds sculptural interest, and the brass naturally patinates over time to develop a warm, tactile depth.
Balancing the crispness of the chrome tableware trend with a softened, rippled silhouette, this sterling silver napkin ring is an heirloom-quality accent. It reflects generations of craftsmanship from Vienna’s Jarosinski & Vaugoin atelier – one of Europe’s last traditional silversmiths – where each piece is meticulously handmade.
For a distinctive alternative, consider leather napkin rings. Designed by Peter Speliopoulos and handmade in Italy, these pieces come in various styles – rolled, slashed, tufted, or tooled – allowing for mix-and-match arrangements. Each ring is a celebration of texture and craftsmanship, merging traditional leatherwork with contemporary design sensibilities.
These sterling silver napkin holders reinterpret the textures of corrugated cardboard, with Rachel Whiteread capturing every groove and tear. The design transforms a fragile everyday material into an enduring, sculptural concept, crafted by Puiforcat’s artisans in the grand French silversmithing tradition.