So many of the times, the projects that end up being my absolute favorite are also the absolute easiest.  There is just something magical about a really simple project hitting all the right chords.  This napkin ring/name card holder is no joke the most simple and the most beautiful thing that will be gracing my table this Thanksgiving.

It’s made of… paper.  Yep.  Just gold paper from the craft store which cost $2. I made sixteen napkin rings out of the one piece of paper meaning that each ring cost just $0.12 to make. If that isn’t amazing, I don’t know what is.

Folding them into geometric octagons gives a modern look to my more rustic table.  They’re simple and cheap, so what are you waiting for?  Let’s make some!

Cut the 12″ x 12″ paper in half, then each half will yield 8 strips that are 1.5″ x 6″.  On each strip, you’ll make 8 folds, but you want to measure them out first.

Mark two dots, one at 2.5″ and one at 3.5″ down the length of your strip.

Then, on either side of your initial dots, make 3 more dots. Each 1/2″ from the previous.  Your last dot should be 1″ from the end of your strip. Then, bend the paper at the dot closest to one end.  Be sure that your ruler is exactly perpendicular to the paper.

At each dot, make a fold.  This gives you the general shape of your napkin ring.  If you do NOT want to add a name card holder, skip the next step.  If you DO want to add a slot for your name cards, go ahead and cut out a thin sliver (about 1/32″).  The sliver should be about 2.5″ long.  Be sure it’s centered both on the horizontal and on the vertical. The sliver should stop/start halfway between the second and third (from the end) dots.

Everyone loves a good geometric gold place card holder diy. I bet your wheels are already spinning with the possibilities here!! You could fold accordion-like and make stars or use a different type of paper.  The sky is the limit.

I know these beauties will impress your guests this season, so go ahead, hop to it!