While visiting my daughter, Alexandra, in England, I plucked some pretty pink heather from her garden and placed it inside my granddaughter’s napkin ring to adorn her pink Herend Chinese Bouquet platter for an impromptu cocktail party.
Over the years of entertaining at Fox Hall, I have discovered that napkin rings can easily be repurposed as a decorative feature to adorn an hors d’oeuvres platter by simply placing greens or flowers within the ring!
Napkin rings were created in France in the 19th century, before spreading to other western countries, to hold linen napkins for a household. With a ring, napkins were identified for individual family members or houseguests and could be used more than once between washing. More decorative napkin rings made of porcelain, wood, and other materials became popular in America, especially in the 20th century, and is a tradition that continues today.
Mummy only used silver napkin rings for family or houseguests... although never for a dinner party. She adhered to the old-school rule that using a napkin ring for a dinner guest would indicate that the napkin would be reused! I guess those words have stayed with me, as I only use my old-school silver napkin rings for family members or houseguests. I have added to my collection pewter napkin rings (no polishing required!) for each grandchild, with their name engraved. Another benefit of having them is that the grandchildren enjoy placing their names where they wish to be seated at the table as a pseudo-place card!
Millennial Tip
Quite often, silver napkin rings are considered an appropriate and thoughtful Christening present. Having them engraved to mark the baby's name and the occasion is a lovely tradition, and is practical, as the parents can use them too!
This Coalport horse and rider napkin ring was a gift to me many years ago. He jumps over boxwood and faux berries onto my Christmas platters every year!