Using Paper Napkins for Your Ornaments

Grab a pack or two of paper napkins in a pattern you like. Elegant, floral-patterned napkins will make your ornaments look like they’re made of fine china, while vintage-inspired patterns will give a handmade ceramic feel. You can also use holiday napkins for a fully festive look. You’ll likely want to mix and match a few patterns of your choice, so that your tree has a variety of ornaments.

Once you’ve chosen your napkins, take one and peel it apart so you’re working with a single layer at a time. Then, cut out a section of the pattern to glue onto your first ornament. It’s generally a good idea to pick a pattern with a solid background, so that you can easily cut around the designs. 

Don’t cut too large pieces—you want to press them onto your ornament without wrinkling them. The larger the piece, the more likely it is to wrinkle as you try to wrap it around the ornament.

Pasting Your Napkin Cutouts

Take the tops off your ornaments, then paste the pattern piece onto each ornament with Mod Podge or a homemade paste. Make sure the patterned side faces up. Continue cutting and pasting napkin pieces until your ornament is fully covered. Smooth out any wrinkles with more paste; you can cover any accidental tears or holes with additional napkin pieces. Seal it all together with a final layer of paste, or use a glossy finishing spray.

Once your ornament is fully dried, replace the top and add an ornament hook. You can also tie a matching ribbon or piece of lace to the top of your ornament for a chic, handmade touch.

Make This Hack Work on Colorful Baubles

Working with boldly-colored base ornaments? The color may peek through layers of napkins. You can use this to your advantage if you have napkins that match your ornaments’ existing colors, or paint your ornaments to match your napkins.

Try to make your coat of paint as smooth as possible, so that the brushstrokes don’t show through the napkin layers (spray paint is ideal here).

Keep your napkin ornaments stored safely in a box, away from light, to help prevent discoloration and keep them lasting for many years to come.