Monthly Archives: February 2010

Table Runners: Use Them By The Dozen!

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Custom Table RunnersCustom Table Runners

Table runners are making a huge comeback in the realms of interior decoration. Once thought of as traditional pieces of decoration, they are now getting increasingly popular. Since there are so many different kinds, made of different materials and better suited for different occasions, many housewives have adopted a nice new hobby: collecting table runners. It may sound like much, but any American household will benefit from owning at least a dozen of different ones, since that will allow changing the entire mood of the living room in just a few minutes.

First and foremost, you should keep three or four with themes appropriate for different holidays. Christmas table runners, Easter table runners, thanksgiving table runners and Halloween table runners; you can easily find lots of different designs covering all kinds of holidays, so you probably want to start your own selection by getting one for each holiday. Remember you’ll only be using these once a year, so even if they’re a bit expensive it’s still a good investment, since you’ll be using them for many years to come.

Second, you want to get a good set of maybe four formal table runners. They are available in beautiful fabrics (such as silk and even cashmere), some of which include the most intricate patterns you could possibly imagine. These are of course table runners that you should be using for decorative purposes only, since they can be quite expensive. For some people spending over a hundred dollars on such things may sound like a crazy idea, but for others it’s indeed a valuable decorative centerpiece and well worth its price.

Finally, you’ll also need a good set of inexpensive and practical table runners. You’ll be using these on a daily basis and they probably won’t look as good after one year or so. You might want to get some plastic table runners to use during meals (which can also serve as extended placemats), and maybe a few quilted table runners to decorate your dining room table in between meals. This will be your most frequently used set, so you should look for simple patterns and colors you like, as to make your dining room feel as comfortable as possible. Since there are so many different kinds of cheap table runners available, some people tend to buy new ones whenever they feel like going for a different style of decoration.

Making Your Own Table Runners

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Holiday Table RunnersHoliday Table Runners

Want to add a touch of elegance to the dinner table for a special romantic occasion, or a Holiday, like Christmas? Instead of buying table runners, come up with your own idea on how make a custom one to fit your tableware and dishes that you will be using.

You can start by making a polyester or cotton table runner. For a table that will be 70 in/20in, you will need 2 ¼ yards of fabric that is 45 inches wide. You will need the same amount of fabric for the back part of the table runner as well. For the top layer of the table runner, you will need to measure out 71in/29in

For the measurements of the table runner, you will need a marking pen, a fabric cutting board, and a yard stick. Before you mark the fabric with the pen, you will need to fold the fabric in half to measure out the second pieces to make your measuring easier for you. For backing the fabric, you will need to measure out 71in/29 in of fabric. You will use your fabric pen to mark the center of each short end on both sides of the fabric. By using the yardstick, you will be drawing lines, to connect the center points of the fabric to the edge.

You will then use an iron, making sure that the edges of the fabric are firm and pointed, and that they will remain in place. If you have more than one table in your home and you would like to make two table runners for a bigger occasion, keep in mind that you would need twice the amount of fabric.

Next you will pin the front part of the table runner to the back part, making sure that the sides are running evenly together. You will need to then use a sewing machine to sew the ½ inch cut edges of the table runner to the other layer.

When you are finished sewing the table runner, use small buttons and sew them onto the corner edges of the table runner, about 1 1/1 inches away from the very tips. Use the buttons to hang tassels on the end of your table runners. You are done!

As you can see, it’s not all that hard to make your own table runners. With a little effort and some time on your hands you can have your very own custom table runner. Make it any color you want but make sure to make it perfect for the occasion. For example, a Christmas dinner party demands for a red table runner. Christmas table runners and generally holiday table runners will be an extremely attractive addition to your dining table.

Table Runners for Special Areas

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White and Red Table RunnersWhite and Red Table Runners

People often give their kitchens and dining areas a makeover but ignore the use of table runners that add character visually , and aesthetically complement the décor in that area. Table runners can be placed in the mid section of a table horizontally, and covers the entire length of the table. They can adorn the tables in the kitchen or dining areas in different ways. They can be placed over a tablecloth or over a bare table or also be employed in unison with place mats. A creative mind comes in handy when it comes to using a mix and match approach for placing black and red table runners.

Table runners are designed in various shapes and sizes depending on the length and shape of your table. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns, and fabric that blend with the furniture, and fixtures of your kitchen or dining area. You can experiment with different types of table runners in accordance with a season or occasion. Keep in mind the type of lighting used in the kitchen. Dining areas with cove lighting would go well with dark colored table runners whereas recessed lighting would complement lighter shades.

When you have guests coming over for lunch or dinner, table presentation is important. Elegantly placed holiday table runners accentuate the bone china and silverware on the table. For women who are hell bent on showcasing their entire arsenal of silverware, try and curb your instincts, another occasion will definitely come. A cluster of unwanted silverware will make a well dressed table look like a chaotic battlefield. A wise move would be to choose table runners which consist of a sober color or pattern rather than a contrasting mix. This will complement the natural finish of the table and highlight the dishes and desserts served in various bowls individually.

For people who are not too keen on changing their table runners too often, the reversible variety is recommended. In case of a small coffee table, you can experiment with darker shades and patterns of table runners to give a quaint and earthy feel to the beverage area. If you are artistically inclined feel free to make you own pieces. Your creative vision will also always help you accessorize your pieces for various theme based occasions, such as wedding table runners. Simple ethnic table runners add a whole new feel to the tables in dining areas. So get moving and transform that sulky kitchen table into a work of art.