Martha Stewart Living, June 2006
Breezy afternoons are ideal for lunching outdoors, but they can make a mess of stacked napkins. To create this windproof holder, use a hacksaw to cut a 3/8-inch-diameter aluminum pipe 1/4 inch shorter than the width of a galvanized tray (our tray measures 8 inches square). Dull the cut edges of the pipe by rubbing them with fine-grit sandpaper. Coat the tray and pipe with spray paint, and let dry overnight. Measure the tray's perimeter; cut a piece of elastic cord 2 inches shorter. Slip the cord through the pipe, and tie the ends together; conceal the knot inside pipe. Fill the tray with napkins, and fit the holder around the tray.
you could also use the carboard tube of a clothes hanger and cut it to the given dimensions.
No pipe necessary--I created a ~4" flower motif out of felt and stitched a little channel to the back to run the elastic cord through--works great.
I have not tried to make this yet, but the directions seem pretty stratight forward just from the photos. Thanks for the great idea.
Could be a cake tin but with these directions it is not clear. Help.
Looks like a square cake tin, Directions not clear.
Looks like it might be a square cake tin but better directions would make the project easier.
where did you buy the tray? Or how did you make it?
yes where did you purchase the tray?
Where do you find the galvanized square?
Those ideas would be easier, but would they be heavy enough to hold down the napkins?
Love the idea ... will experiment with bamboo!
If only I had a hacksaw. I think the cardboard tubes that come on some wire coathangers from the drycleaner might work too and be easier to cut.
perfect use for an "old" 8" cake pan
I love the idea of using bamboo instead of pipe!
is this working?
You could also cut a piece of bamboo and use instead of a pipe. Easier to cut and it would give a feel of nature.
I love this idea for summer entertaining. I would also spray paint the pipe or wrap it in ribbon for an added touch. Maybe even attach via hot glue a flower, sea shell, or other decorative ornament.