By turning a simple cardboard tube into a turkey, you add a handmade detail that guests will admire before the meal even begins.
The feathers, crafted from pipe cleaners, bring texture and autumn colors to your table setting.
This small touch shows care and creativity, making dinner feel even more special. Plus, you can whip up a set of these in under an hour.
Materials Needed
- 1 cardboard tube (cut into 2” wide rings)
- 5 pipe cleaners per turkey in assorted fall colors (each 12” long)
- 2 googly eyes, ½” size
- 1 small orange felt triangle (about 1” wide)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Scissors
- Napkins (cloth or paper, standard size)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut a cardboard tube into 2” wide rings to form the base of your napkin ring.
Step 2: Bend and shape pipe cleaners into loops to look like feathers, then glue them to the inside back of the ring. Mix different colors for a festive look.
Step 3: Attach two googly eyes on the front of the ring with glue.
Step 4: Cut a small orange felt triangle and glue it under the eyes as a beak. Next, add a little red felt piece if you’d like to create a wattle.
Step 5: Slide your folded napkin through the ring and place it on each dinner plate.
Notes:
You can swap felt for colored paper if you’re short on supplies.
Kids will love making their own turkey for their place setting, so let them mix up feather colors for a unique table display.