It’s Christmas in July and I have a DIY napkin ring for your holiday table! It’s also a great excuse to skip pruning your boxwood shrubs, so you can take advantage of the new summer growth this December, using the long sprigs of greenery to make Boxwood Wreath Napkin Rings!
I played around with how to make these napkin rings off and on for a week. I originally bought 2 1/2-inch metal rings that I wrapped in floral stem tape to create a base for the napkin rings. This ring has a hinge that I thought would be helpful to open up the ring as I was working and wrapping the boxwood stems.
I decided the rings were more of a hindrance than a help, but the metal hinged rings may be easier for you to work with if you want to experiment. I found the DMC rings at Michaels for $1.99 where the needlework and stitching supplies are sold.
I found it easier to use a long boxwood stem to create a loop, attaching the stem to itself with florist wire. After you make your loop, cut off the rest of the stem.
Continue adding stems, wrapping around the original loop, adding florist wire as needed.
There’s a bit of learning curve but I found the new green growth worked best, which is flexible unlike the older, woody stems. I kept the napkin rings I was working on in a Ziploc bag in the refrigerator until I had a chance to photograph them. They stayed fresh for a week while I was working on them, so you could make these napkin rings at least a week ahead, keeping them refrigerated until ready to use, during the busy holiday season.
I like to use boxwood sprigs to deck the halls, mixed with other evergreens and I pulled together some Christmas inspiration from the archives. Click on the links for the complete post along with table sources, and if you’re needing an escape from the sweltering summer heat and humidity like me. ;)
Plaid Tidings Christmas Table and DIY Natural Evergreen Table Runner
Chalkboard Runner and Plaid Tidings in the Potting Shed
Reindeer & Sleigh Napkin Rings are back in stock at Ballard Designs. They were sold out last year before Thanksgiving when I went to purchase another set.
I used them at a Reindeer Sleigh Tartan Christmas Table and Centerpiece
and at my Visit From St. Nicholas Christmas Table
Hobby Lobby has most of their Christmas tree ornaments in stock, where I found a parliament of owls for A Tartan Happy Owl-idays Table. If you download their mobile app you can have access to their 40% weekly coupons to feather your nest! It won’t be long before all their Christmas ornaments are 30% off.
For those of you who can’t bear to think about Christmas this early, don’t worry I’m not rushing the season, although I have to confess that I’m anxiously awaiting Fall, A Southerner’s Reward for Surviving Summer, and my favorite time of year. This is just a public service announcement to not prune your boxwood shrubs in case you need those sprigs for your holiday decorating ;)
Thank you for your visit, sharing with:
Those look great! I wonder how preserved boxwoods are made? That’s what we need to figure out…
Can you believe when we were in FL this month I passed on the WS tartan plaid salads that were in store & on sale, wtih an additional 25% off?? Mr. P. said as opposed to carrying the weight back on the plane, it would be worth having them shipped (and paying full price if I had to). We’ll see if he remembers his words of wisdom come November, lol.
I enjoyed looking at your Christmas plate settings! Makes me want to watch a Hallmark Christmas movie. I really loved your plate with the sweet holly around the rim that your boxwood is resting on. I would love to know the name of the pattern and maker.
Thanks Suzanne, It’s Mikasa Holiday Traditions, you can see it at the table here: https://homeiswheretheboatis.net/2013/12/02/at-the-table-mikasa-holiday-traditions/
Mary, thank you for this blog. I don’t have box wood, but do have ivy and it makes beautiful napkin rings as well. I too am already thinking about Christmas and most especially Fall. I love summer – the fruit and vegetables – not the heat. Being from Charleston, SC, we always look forward to Fall, the minute summer comes…lol. Thanks also for all the other great blogs. I enjoy them so much and wish I had room to store so many wonderful decorations.
Nice idea, thank you! We have a bunch of boxwoods out front. :)
I look so forward to your blog! I would say, without a doubt, it’s always OUTSTANDING! For me, your blog is the best blog of all.
These are really pretty Mary, I just wish there was a way to make them last, but your refrigeration tip is super handy! I did buy a faux boxwood wreath last year and I love it, but it’s faux and you just know something is just a little off…I love Christmas in July! Your owl table last year was a favorite. I was hoping to do a Halloween in July post this month, but the calendar pages are flipping too fast!
ho ho ho…
I have Boxwoods! Yea! What a neat idea! Thanks Mary. Am pinning!
Brilliant idea!! Love this Christmas in July with the tutorial, you are a fabulous teacher. I think I shall have to visit my neighbors boxwood this year. Your tablescapes are well worth seeing over again, always awesomely beautiful. Thank-you!
Just last night I thought about Christmas–really looking forward to it with Jasper. (And autumn, too. The heat has been brutal.) Your boxwood napkin ring idea is genius. The sprigs have always frustrated me because they are so still; I’ll use the young shoots from now on.
Still = stiff (stiff like my fingers!🙄)
What beautiful work you do. I will probably use some of your ideas.
Beautiful as always! Love the boxwood napkin rings!
Good morning from Utah, Mary. I have a question. I want to make some white fluffy pine cone owl decorations for my new Christmas tree this year. Any suggestions how I might do that? Love your site. It is always so cheery and motivating. Keen enlightening us. Kathy
Mary, I appreciate the tip to not trim the boxwoods. These napkin rings are so clever! Your Christmas decor inspires me to get my game plan ready! Before we turn around, we will be decking the halls. Autumn is my favorite season, can’t wait for all things pumpkin!
Thank you for sharing this lovely and inspiring post. Everything is so lovely and elegant.
Marilyn
I love the plaid things you have displayed. Plaid is great for Christmas.
Joan
Those Christmas dishes are gorgeous. They are just right for the holidays. You did a nice job with the napkin rings.
Marion
~Mary~
awww our Boxwoods were pruned 2 weeks ago!! love the little napkins ring , very cute !!
:) I am not ready for Christmas yet !!
stay cool
Paula
IN
Plaid, boxwood, reindeer, China!!! Just lovely!!! Thanks for the public service announcement on trimming the shrubs and the heads up on the reindeer napkin rings and flash sale at Ballards! Mary Christmas In July!!! 🙊🎄😉🎄
This is lovely, I adore off-season things! I am always thinking forward and planning things in my mind :)
I love, love your Christmas posts!! I always come away with lots of great ideas..I seen some of your tartan deco last year and happened upon a tartan table cloth, napkins, chargers, etc..and bought them and just loved my table…I look forward to all your posts every time..keep the great ideas coming….you are very talented! Stay cool if you can!! ❤️🎅🏻🤶🏻🎄🌿🌹
Yes, Christmas will be here before we know it, Mary! Your boxwood napkin rings are so darling. All your Christmas tables are so pretty, and the Owls always make me smile.
Wouldn’t you know…the simple way!! franki
Natural materials make the most wonderful table accents, these are really nice.
Thanks for the tip on the boxwood. Mine should be cut, but I will wait. I love all the plaid it always looks so festive and I particularly liked your parliament of owls.
Clever idea! Boxwood is a wonderful green to use on a table. Loving this summer dose of beautiful plaids.
Merry, Merry!
In the photo with the boxwood napkin ring, could you please share the pattern and manufacturer of the plate the napkin ring is on! I love it!
Thanks
Cindi
It’s Mikasa Holiday Traditions, you can see it at the table here: https://homeiswheretheboatis.net/2013/12/02/at-the-table-mikasa-holiday-traditions/
I love all your plaid tablescapes and the boxwood tutorial is great. I love using boxwood and magnolia leaves as well as pine in my Christmas decorating too.
I have used the little faux boxwood for napkin rings, but the fresh is so much prettier! I have boxwood ready to cut all year long here in Florida, thanks for the great tip, and how nice it is to see one of your beautiful tables!
Would you considering selling 6 of those napkin rings.