The holiday season is a whirlwind of hosting, gifting, and decorating. But sometimes, amidst the hustle, the most cherished moments are the quiet ones spent crafting something beautiful with your own hands. If you are looking to add a personalized touch to your tree without spending a fortune, look no further than your holiday table settings. Yes, those beautiful Christmas cocktail napkins can be transformed into stunning, heirloom-quality ornaments.
At European Excellency, we believe that elegance lies in the details. Our collection of premium European paper napkins isn't just for wiping spills—it is a portfolio of art waiting to be repurposed. In this guide, we will show you how to decoupage your way to a designer tree using simple materials and our exquisite christmas napkins.
Why Cocktail Napkins? The Secret to Seamless Decoupage
You might be wondering, "Why not use wrapping paper or cardstock?" The answer lies in the texture. Cocktail napkins are made of incredibly thin layers of tissue. When you separate the printed ply and apply it to a surface with decoupage glue, the paper essentially disappears, leaving only the ink behind. The result is a "painted-on" look that is nearly impossible to achieve with thicker papers.
Plus, the smaller scale of cocktail napkins makes them the perfect size for standard baubles. A single pack can yield dozens of unique ornaments, making this one of the most cost-effective holiday crafts around.
What You’ll Need
Before you dive in, gather your supplies. You likely have many of these in your craft drawer already.
- European Excellency Christmas Cocktail Napkins: Choose designs with distinct motifs (like holly, robins, or Santa) rather than continuous patterns.
- Ornaments: You can use clear plastic fillable balls, white ceramic discs, or even upcycle old scratched baubles.
- Decoupage Glue: Mod Podge (Gloss or Matte) works perfectly.
- Soft Brushes: A foam brush or soft bristle brush prevents tearing.
- White Acrylic Paint: Essential if you are using clear or dark ornaments (more on this below).
- Scissors & Water: For detailed cutting.
Craft 1: The "Snowball" Bauble (Beginner Friendly)
This method creates a classic, vintage-style ornament that looks like hand-painted porcelain.
Step 1: Prep Your Ornament
If you are using a clear plastic or glass ball, dab white acrylic paint all over the outside with a sponge to create a snowy, textured base. Let it dry completely. The white background is crucial—it makes the colors of the christmas napkins pop. Without it, the translucent napkin will look muddy against a dark tree.
Step 2: Prep the Napkin
Take your chosen cocktail napkin and peel away the white backing layers. Most high-quality napkins are 3-ply, so ensure you are down to the single, printed sheet.
- Pro Tip: Use a piece of tape on the corner to help separate the layers easily.
Step 3: Cut and Paste
Tear around the motif you want to use (e.g., a sprig of mistletoe) rather than cutting with scissors. The torn, feathered edge blends much better than a sharp scissor line. Apply a thin layer of glue to the ornament, place the napkin piece on top, and gently smooth it out with your brush from the center outward.
Step 4: Seal the Deal
Once dry, coat the entire ornament with a final layer of decoupage glue to seal it. For extra holiday magic, sprinkle a little fine glitter into the wet glue.
Craft 2: The "Inside-Out" Glass Globe (Intermediate)
For a sleek, professional finish where the design is protected inside the glass, try this reverse decoupage technique.
- Split the Ornament: Use a clear, fillable plastic acrylic ornament that splits in half.
- Glue the Inside: Brush a thin layer of glue on the inside of one half.
- Place the Napkin: Carefully press your cut-out Christmas cocktail napkin design face down into the curve. This is tricky—work slowly to minimize wrinkles.
- Paint Behind: Once the glue is dry, paint over the back of the napkin with white acrylic paint. This makes the image opaque and vibrant when viewed from the front (through the plastic).
- Fill and Close: Fill the other half with faux snow, close the sphere, and tie it with a velvet ribbon.
Choosing the Right Napkins
Not all napkins are created equal. For decoupage, you want high-definition printing and strong tissue fibers. Our Christmas Cocktail Napkins collection features imported designs from Germany and Italy, known for their superior print quality and intricate detailing.
- For a Rustic Tree: Look for woodland animals or botanical prints.
- For a Glam Tree: Choose designs with gold foil accents (note: foil doesn't soften like tissue, so use these on flat ornaments like wood slices).
- For a Kid’s Tree: Bright, cartoon-style Santas or nutcrackers work best.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The Napkin is Tearing!
You might be using too much glue or a stiff brush. Switch to a soft foam brush and apply the glue to the ornament first, not the napkin.
The Image Disappeared!
Did you forget the white paint? If you apply a translucent napkin onto a clear or dark surface, it vanishes. Always paint a white background behind the image.
It's Too Wrinkly!
Embrace the texture! On a round surface, some wrinkling is inevitable. It adds to the "snowball" effect. If you want a perfectly smooth finish, stick to flat ornaments like wood slices or ceramic tiles.
FAQs About Napkin Decoupage
Q: Can I use dinner napkins instead of cocktail napkins?
A: Absolutely. Dinner napkins are larger, giving you more material to work with. However, the motifs on cocktail napkins are often scaled smaller, which fits better on standard 3-inch ornaments.
Q: Is Mod Podge the only glue I can use?
A: While Mod Podge is the industry standard, you can also use specialized decoupage varnish or even white school glue diluted with a little water (3 parts glue, 1 part water).
Q: How do I clean the brush afterwards?
A: Decoupage glue is water-based. Simply wash your brushes with warm soapy water immediately after use. If the glue hardens, you may need a brush cleaner.
Q: Can I put these ornaments outside?
A: Only if you use an outdoor-rated sealer. Standard decoupage glue is water-resistant but not waterproof. Humidity and rain will turn the napkin to mush without a heavy-duty varnish.
Q: Where can I find unique napkin designs?
A: Big box stores often carry generic patterns. For unique, European-sourced designs that you won't see on everyone else's tree, browse our curated selection at European Excellency.
A Tree That Tells a Story
Turning Christmas napkins into ornaments is more than just a craft; it’s a way to curate a tree that is entirely unique to your style. Whether you go for a vintage Victorian look or a modern Scandinavian vibe, the possibilities are hidden in the folds of a simple paper napkin.
So pour yourself a hot cocoa, put on your favorite carols, and start crafting.
Ready to start your project?
Visit European Excellency today to shop our exclusive holiday napkin collection and bring your creative vision to life.
European Excellency
Address: 9858 Clint Moore Rd Ste C111-138 Boca Raton, FL 33496
Phone: +1 949 374 7757
Email: ee@europeanexcellency.com
