The cultural importance of these what appear to be trivial objects is the fact that they capture the social etiquette system of the day. For instance, during the Victorian era, there was great emphasis on etiquette and dinners and therefore, napkin rings became fashionable and depicted politeness and welcome. Every person would get a clean and well ironed napkin which had to be held in a ring occasionally matching the host’s preference or the affluence of the family. The rings were not only to wear— they were a symbol of wealth and style.
Source: Etsy
Napkin rings were also utilized at home as home entertaining became much rife by the mid 20th century. This time, though, they had adopted the principles of the modern design which don’t include many frills and are characterized by the concise lines, natural textures, and reduced embellishments. Wooden napkin rings for instance the ones that I came across became popular due to the fact that they gave a simple yet elegant feel that matched the casual dining culture of that era. They were no longer used only when sitting for formal dinners but they had become a part of everyday use and was used to enhance the look of even the plainest of dishes.
These days, old school napkin rings are not only a piece of antique that has gone out of style but a symbol of the society that paid attention to the finer things. In a society where people value convenience more than aesthetics, it is always nice to go back and look for these little gems. It gives one a feeling of the past, and a level of class that could be used to add a certain touch of class to today’s dining experience.
Source: In The Vintage Kitchen Shop
So the next time you buy a set of napkin rings from a thrift shop or find one set on the shelf of your relatives’ home, do not think that it is old-fashioned and useless. Instead, consider them as a part of history, a relic of the era of entertaining and possibly as a method to incorporate some of that era’s elegance to your table. At times, it is the least of the concerns that produce the most significant results
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