I only use my napkin rings for dinners that we have in the dinning room. I feel that they complete the look of the table setting

I believe the origin of napkin rings was to save on laundry and you would place your napkin in it after a meal to ensure you got yours at the next one.  

They have now morphed into a dining table accessory - I have two sets but rarely use them (and wash all napkins after the dinner :))

I will use napkin rings for formal dinners.  For the holidays I have the grandchildren make napkin rings and place cards for the table.  It keeps them busy and they feel they are a part of the holiday meal

I think napkin rings are like earrings to your outfit. I don't wear them cleaning the house or us napkin rings when eating in front on the tv, but like earings to something dressy, napkin rings enhance your tableware, is an inexpensive "change" for your expensive dishes.  Bring a bit of personality to the table.  One dinner party I did, every guest (8) had a differrent plate setting and different napkin and ring, to jazz it up, I put their names in a hat to see where they would sit by place setting, this ensured they didn't sit with who they knew the best.

Great question!  I do have quite a collection of pretties, but confess  I prefer a 'decorative folded napkin'.  Regardless that they can enhance and table setting, my favourite ones sit in a crystal bowl for display.  Mmmmm with the Holidays just around the corner;  maybe with some creative alteration perhaps the others will  make unique eclectic  ornaments for my Christmas Tree.   (I do use my knife rests all the time though.)  SMILES!

They look pretty, however, I've never bothered to spend the money on them.  Can I say that they are an enhancing yet useless piece of chintzy accessory that one really doesn't need but likes to use just because? : )

I have two or three sets and never use them.