A method for 10% Ni/SiO2 catalyst is developed for acetylation of phenol, substituted phenols, naphthols, substituted alcohols under mild liquid phase conditions affording aromatic esters with maximum conversions of 50–80% and 100% selectivity. The catalyst showed remarkable reusability for up to 4 cycles. This methodology is eco-friendly, economic with Ni/SiO2 catalysts exhibiting no loss of activity the first report for acetylation of substituted phenols to esters with 10% Ni/SiO2 catalyst.