Table Runners…dress ‘em up or dress ‘em down!

I love to decorate my dining room table with table runners.  You know, those skinny almost too short table covers that look so neat on a dining room table or a countertop bar?

Table runners can be made out of ANY kind of fabric you like, from burlap to satin.  I’m using a runner right now that is of minimalistic design.  It’s one of my favorites.  It’s a simple off-white, no design, runner and complements my dark table very well.

One thing I really like to do with runners is use 3 or 4 and spread them cross-wise over the table giving the setting a striped appearance.  Another idea is to place the runner down the center per usual and lay complimentary placemats cross-wise over the runner.  This is a fun and CHEAP way to add a lot of punch to your table setting.

Using table runners while entertaining is a great idea.  Even though I love pretty tablecloths I really don’t love how they catch on someone’s sweater as they pass by almost dumping dishes and glassware on the floor.  Below is a pic of my table using both a table cloth and runner.  Simple, simple!  When we got the dishes on the table it was so summery and fun.  My daughter-in-law loved it.  It was her birthday.  The vases and flowers I picked up at a dollar store.

Table runners can be layered, too.  A larger longer one and a smaller skinnier one on top.  Looks so fun.  Think of how easy and inexpensive it would be to make one!  Or a dozen!  I love them.  And an easy, easy way to decorate a holiday table.  The left and right ones below are mine, but I loved the other runner idea, with it running the opposite direction.  So much you can do!