Home Inspiration, Living, Personal Wellness, Style

The Napkin Index: How to Refresh Your Dining Table During Tough Financial Times

by Gander & Co.

Chances are you’ve heard the phrase “lipstick index.” It’s a phrase coined by Estee Lauder chairman Leonard Lauder to explain the trend of people buying lipstick during financially difficult times. Compared to $50 foundation and $38 mascara, lipstick, which you can snag at your local CVS–and even at Sephora–for under $10.

But the lipstick index need not be exclusive to makeup products. We, here at Gander & Co., have a new proposition: the “napkin index.” Yes, the world is crazy these days (I mean what day is it anyway?). Many are nervous about losing income. Others are carrying emotional pressures, and we are all, whether we realize it or not, fighting the daily effects of “low-key” trauma. The good news is that human beings are incredibly resilient. One of the ways we show our resiliency is through how we buckle down and deal (in other words, how we learn to cope!). Coping looks different for everyone, but for those who love home decor and design, an easy way to wade through the difficult times is to focus on the love and light in your home. In the “time before,” a quick trip to HomeGoods for a. $4.99 trinket find was all we needed to boost our spirits, but with retail stores shuttered, we can’t just bop over to the shop. Taking the search online, but still ensuring that the purchases you make are satisfying–and budget friendly–can be difficult, so we’ve gathered some easy, breezy inspo to get you back in the home styling groove. Below we’re sharing some of our own napkin/ring combos from our own stock as well the best places to find cheap napkins and rings online! And remember, just how lipstick can be the perfect finisher to your glam beauty look, the perfect napkin/ring combo is be just the thing to take your date nights in to the next level.

Some of the napkin rings we’re working with! The golden double ring on the left is from Crate & Barrel. The classic silver rings in the middle are a family piece, and the wooden rings on the right are from Crate & Barrel, as well.

Scroll down for more “napkin index” inspiration!

Above, the Rectangle Acacia Napkin Ring styled two ways. The aqua napkin is a HomeGoods buy whereas the napkin on the right has been in my family for decades.

Don’t own any napkin rings but interested in trying out this little pick me up? Grab any spare twine, string, or ribbon you have lying around your house. Maybe your have some wrapping ribbon leftover from the holidays or a particularly cute hair scrunchie that would look chic double-wrapped around a napkin. You can also wrap a 3-inch think strip of parchment paper around the napkin under the twine/ribbon/string for added cafe-style vibes. Another easy way to bring spruce up simple string? Add a sprig of rosemary or a plucked flower from your garden. Don’t be afraid to get creative, and be resourceful!

Mix it up and try unexpected combos. I’ve never once used the gold double rings with the colorful New Mexico napkins pictured on the left, but now that I see them together, I can envision a classy margarita & taco date night for grown-ups only.

Ready to shop for some napkins?
Here are some of our faves!

Cloth napkins are eco and budget friendly, and they can easily brighten or refresh your other tableware. For a fully stocked repertoire of cloth napkins, we recommend having one of each: a solid neutral, a stripe or simply plaid of some kind, a summer option, and something colorful or with an exciting pattern.

Sage & White Crocus Stripe Napkin (left) from World Market, $7.96 for set of 4.
San Sebastian Napkins (right) from Maisons du Monde. Only available in the UK.
For bistro chic style, try a neutral background with a stripe or a solid denim or indigo blue with a rougher texture. From left to right: West Elm Chambray Napkin (on sale now!), West Elm Riviera Napkin (comes in 4 colors), and Target Bellflower Napkin (8 for $15).
These 3 are all from Pottery Barn, come in a variety of colors, and are on sale now! While PB can be a little pricier than other retailers, the quality is high, so as long as you take care of the fabric, you can keep these in your drawer for a long, long while.

When it comes to napkin rings, it’s ideal to have 2 everyday styles and at least one that’s a bit more festive or seasonal. (And don’t forget that many household items can double as napkin holders. Get crafty!)

A simple but interesting everyday option from CB2. Cuff Brushed Gold Napkin Ring Set, $32 for 8 rings.
Chateau Wood Napkin Ring from Pottery Barn, $21 for 4. Also comes in a dark brown and black.
Always a popular option, these woven rings from Target are perfect with summer on its way.

Let’s get festive!

These adorable napkin rings are fun without being full-on ridiculous. And the beauty is that you can dress them up or tone them down as you please. Pair the sweet bunnies (from Pottery Barn) with flax colored napkins for a muted look or Easter-worthy pastels for a more “on theme” event. The friendly French rooster ring (available at Target) can either bring French farmhouse elegance to your table or be a cheerful surprise for your kids. And what’s not to love about this beaded Blue Crab from Pier One? Match this ring with classic blue and white decor for grown-up summertime sophistication, or go wild with a whole range of colors for endless summer festivity!

That’s all for now, folks! Let us know what you’re working with at home and which styles you’re most excited to try out. We love hearing from you! Stay safe, be well, and “napkin” on!