Sawdust Smart
Menu

Build idea

Hardwood napkin holder

I made this Share a photo of your version.

a cherry wood open-front napkin holder with a flat cream napkin stack on a light table concept — not a real build.

A small cherry napkin holder for a Thanksgiving or holiday table: a flat base and three low walls make an open-front slot that keeps napkins flat. Cut the parts, ease the outer corners, glue up, sand and oil.

Rough size
About 7 x 7 x 1 3/4 in
Wood
Cherry, Walnut or maple also work

Tools you might use

  • Table saw with blade guard, riving knife and push sticks, or a miter saw
  • Clamps and wood glue
  • Block plane or sanding block
  • Random-orbit sander, 120–220 grit
  • Wipe-on oil or clear finish

Our tool picks for this idea: Clamps · Wood glue

Right tool for the job: Which push stick or push block should you use on a table saw?

Choosing a sander? Read our sander for cutting boards guide.

Need a block plane? See our block plane picks.

Need a miter saw? See our miter saw picks.

Key techniques

Four-panel diagram showing cutting a base and three low walls, easing corners, gluing the open-front napkin holder, and the finished piece with a flat napkin stack in the single slot.
Diagram of the finished piece. Sizes are approximate, not a tested plan. Reader build photos welcome.

All build ideas