Holiday Napkin Rings

Holiday napkin rings are a simple craft that works well with all age levels in Scouting. It gives Cub Scouts and older Scouts a chance to be creative while also making something useful. This craft fits well into holiday celebrations or service projects like preparing meals for others. It can be done at a den meeting, troop meeting, or as part of a larger event.

For Cub Scouts, this activity can be tied to adventure requirements that involve making things or doing service. It helps younger Scouts build fine motor skills and learn to follow directions. They also get to share their creations with others, which supports teamwork and giving.

Scouts BSA or Venturers can use this craft as part of a service project. For example, they might make napkin rings for a community meal or a local nursing home. This helps them practice leadership and service. They can also help younger Scouts with the project, giving them a chance to mentor.

This is also a good activity for mixed-age events. It doesn’t require expensive materials or special skills. Everyone can work at their own level. It’s a good way to bring Scouts together and make something that brings joy to others.

Napkin rings have been around for a long time. People in France started using them in the early 1800s. Each person in the family had their own ring, so they could reuse their cloth napkin. This helped save time and laundry. The rings were often plain and made from wood, metal, or bone.

Over time, napkin rings became fancier. People started using them at special dinners and holidays. They were made to match the decorations on the table. Some families even passed them down from one generation to the next.

Today, we often use napkin rings for decoration. They are an easy way to make a table look nice for a holiday or party. In Scouting, making napkin rings can be a craft that helps teach history, culture, or just adds fun to a celebration.

Scouts can even make their own versions using cardboard, ribbon, beads, or paint. This gives them a way to add a personal touch to a family meal or service project. It’s a small thing that can help make an event feel special.

When your Scouts make holiday napkin rings, they are learning more than how to do a craft. They are learning how to follow directions, use tools, and take care with their work. These are basic skills that help them in many other parts of life.

They are also learning to be creative. Even simple materials like cardboard and string can turn into something special. Let them choose colors or decorations. It gives them a chance to make something that feels like their own.

This craft also teaches patience. Some Scouts may rush through it, but others will take their time. That’s OK. Let them go at their own pace. Help them learn that careful work can make a big difference.

Most of all, they are learning about giving. If they make napkin rings for a holiday meal or a service project, they are doing something kind. They are making something that helps others feel welcome. That’s an important lesson in Scouting.

Holiday Napkin Ring Craft Directions

Materials needed:

• Cardboard tubes (like toilet paper or paper towel rolls)
• Scissors
• Glue or tape
• Markers, crayons, or paint
• Stickers, ribbon, fabric scraps, or other decorations
• Ruler (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut the cardboard tube into short rings, about 1 to 2 inches wide.
2. Let each Scout pick a ring to decorate.
3. Cover the ring with paper, fabric, or paint. Let it dry if needed.
4. Add decorations like stickers, ribbon, or drawings.
5. Once finished, slide a napkin through the ring and admire the work.

Notes:

• Use safety scissors with younger Scouts.
• Paint or glue can be messy, so cover the work area.
• You can use holiday colors or themes to match the season.
• Try writing names on the rings to use them as place cards.
• Older Scouts can use hot glue with adult supervision.

This is a quick and easy craft. It’s fun and can be done with simple supplies you already have.

Click here for a printable copy of the Holiday Napkin Ring Craft Directions

Crafts for Scouts

Holiday napkin rings are just one of many fun and simple crafts you can do with your Scouts. They are a great way to bring some color and cheer to a meal or service project. If your Scouts enjoyed this craft, they might like to try others too. Crafts are a good way to teach skills and build teamwork.

You can find more easy crafts to do with your den or troop at my page: Crafts for Scouts. There are ideas for all ages and seasons. These crafts are designed to fit into Scouting activities and work well with badge requirements.

Crafting Connections: The Importance of Creative Projects in Scouting

What age level is this craft good for?

This craft works well for all Cub Scout ranks. Even Lions and Tigers can do it with a little help. Older Scouts can do it on their own or help the younger ones.

What kind of materials should we use?

Use cardboard tubes like paper towel rolls. Then add things like ribbon, stickers, paint, or paper. You can use whatever you have on hand.

How long does this craft take?

It usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you are using glue or paint, allow extra time to dry.

Can we use this craft for a service project?

Yes. Scouts can make napkin rings to decorate tables for a holiday meal. This works well for nursing homes, shelters, or church dinners.

Is this craft messy?

It can be a little messy if you use paint or glue. Cover the tables and have some wipes or paper towels ready.

Can we tie this to a Cub Scout adventure?

Yes. It can fit with adventures that include crafts, teamwork, or service. Check your rank requirements to match it up.

Holiday napkin rings are a great craft for Scouts of all ages. They are simple to make and only need a few basic supplies. You can use cardboard tubes, glue, ribbon, markers, and anything else you have around. They make any holiday meal look special.

This craft teaches more than just cutting and gluing. Scouts learn to follow steps, use their hands, and be creative. They also practice working together. Older Scouts can help the younger ones. It’s a good way to build leadership and teamwork.

You can use this craft for fun or as part of a service project. Making napkin rings for a group meal is a kind way to give back. Scouts enjoy seeing their work used by others. It helps them feel like they are making a difference.

Napkin rings are small, but they can do a lot. They add color to a table. They show care and effort. And they help Scouts grow in small but meaningful ways. Keep this idea in your toolbox for the next holiday event or service project.