The Hammered Metal Napkin Ring

What it is

This is a single metal napkin ring, made of iron. It has a 1.6 in (4 cm) diameter and stands 1.2 in (3 cm) high, a size that holds a folded cloth napkin without crushing it. The ring slips over a rolled or folded napkin and keeps it neat between courses, at a weeknight dinner or a holiday table.

It is sold individually. That is deliberate. Buy four for a small table, six or eight for a full set, or pick a few different finishes and let each place setting have its own look.

Sizes

One size, one shape. The numbers below are the whole story.

A ring this size suits most standard cloth napkins, from lightweight cotton to a thicker linen blend. Roll the napkin first, then slide the ring on from one end.

Colors and styles

There are 20 finishes to choose from:

• Gold hammered, gold floral engraved, gold checkered, gold diamond cut, gold vertical stripe, gold geometric, gold beaded stripe, gold smooth
• Silver hammered, silver floral engraved, silver diamond cut, silver checkered, silver vertical stripe, silver beaded stripe, silver geometric, silver smooth
• Bronze smooth
• Rose gold diamond cut, rose gold smooth
• Black smooth

The hammered and diamond cut finishes catch the light and add texture to a plain napkin. The smooth finishes, in gold, silver, bronze, rose gold and black, read clean and quiet. The engraved and striped styles bring a small pattern to the table without competing with a printed tablecloth.

If you are building a set, pick one finish for all of them, or pair a gold and a silver finish at each setting for a mixed metal look.

How to use it

Fold or roll your cloth napkin into a shape about as wide as the ring, then slide the ring over the middle. A rolled napkin works well for everyday meals. A flat fold works better for a dinner party, with the ring sitting at the center of the fold.

These rings also work beyond the napkin. Use one to gather a set of flatware at a place setting, or to hold a rolled hand towel in a guest bath. Because they are sold as singles, you can add one or two to a gift of cloth napkins.

To store them, keep the set in a small basket or drawer divider so the finishes do not rub against each other.

Care

Wipe clean with a soft cloth. A dry cloth handles everyday dust. For a smudge, breathe on the metal or use a barely damp cloth, then dry it right away. Skip abrasive pads and harsh cleaners, which can dull the finish. Store rings apart from each other to keep the surfaces smooth.

Pairing with napkins and table linens

A metal ring looks best when it contrasts with the napkin. A gold or bronze finish stands out against a white or oat linen napkin. A silver or black finish sits quietly against a striped or checked napkin. If your tablecloth has a pattern, choose a smooth finish. If your tablecloth is plain, a hammered or engraved finish adds interest.

The same idea works with curtains and runners in the room. Warm finishes, gold, bronze and rose gold, suit warm neutrals. Silver and black suit cooler tones and white settings.