A simple and creative table runner could be just what you are looking for to bring a little something extra to your table or buffet. This is a great idea for any party.
Easy DIY Table Runner
Change It Up for the Holidays and Re-Use It Too!
Last Thanksgiving, we hosted the family dinner. Now, I have hosted many large family parties for holidays and other occasions over the years; but this time, I had a much smaller house to make the most of in a functional and pretty way. I no longer had the drop-leaf tea cart or extra buffet to use for additional serving space, and that meant my table had to be special without a centerpiece taking up valuable space.
I love setting a beautiful table, and making it all festive and seasonal, so what was I going to do? I plowed through my tote of Autumn decor, and found some silk leaves in all the gorgeous autumn colors. And then, I had a fantastic idea–I could create a lovely table runner with these leaves!
To make this idea be functional, I needed to construct a table runner and not just throw loose leaves all over the place. Loose leaves would be a mess and a nuisance as guests passed dishes around the table. But, I also did not want to ruin my silk leaves. I wanted to use them again. So, here’s what I came up with…
Easy DIY Table Runner
Here’s What You Need:
- Silk Leaves (Snowflakes, Hearts, Shamrocks, Flower Petals, Stars, Cupcakes, Dinosaurs, or any shape of choice–think Die Cuts)
- Tape
How-To:
- If you have items of different colors or sizes, separate them by color and size.
- Take a couple of pieces and turn them upside down on your work surface.
- Tape the pieces together so the tape will not show from the front side.
- Add one piece at a time, taping them together until you have constructed the length or shape table runner you like–the possibilities are endless.
- Carefully flip the runner right side up, and place on your table.
Could this project be any simpler? I don’t think so. And, I have to tell you, my table runner was a huge hit at Thanksgiving.
I love the way the runner has a little depth with the openings left in the design and the ruffled, not quite flat lay of the leaves. Our food platters sat atop the runners easily, but the leaves poked out in vibrant bursts of color, absolutely stunning. I used leaves in other areas for decoration, so it all tied together nicely.
If you have the room, a centerpiece would be wonderful, and imagine how lovely a few candles would be.
Packing away the table runner was easy-peasy. Simply remove the tape, and throw it away. I placed my silk leaves back into their boxes, and they are ready to use again next year. I wonder what I’ll do with them then?
If you are looking for something fun, different, functional, and super easy for your holidays or special occasions, this is a great table runner idea! An idea even the kids can help make. So, give a little pop to your decor.
I’d love to see what you create…
Here’s a Printable Tutorial of this DIY Project:
- Silk Leaves (Snowflakes, Hearts, Shamrocks, Flower Petals, Stars, Cupcakes, Dinosaurs, or any shape of choice--think Die Cuts)
- Tape
- If you have items of different colors or sizes, separate them by color and size.
- Take a couple of pieces and turn them upside down on your work surface.
- Tape the pieces together so the tape will not show from the front side.
- Add one piece at a time, taping them together until you have constructed the length or shape table runner you like--the possibilities are endless.
- Carefully flip the runner over and place on your table right side up.
…
What creative ideas do you have for low-space table decor?
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~Lorelai
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You just TAPED them together?! What on earth?! SO creative! I love how it looks!
Yes–TAPE!!! I worked beautifully, and it was super easy. I was very pleased with how it all turned out. Glad you like it too. 🙂
This IS an easy table runner and would also come in handy when you need a last minute table runner and don’t have a lot of time on your hands. I love it and it would be so pretty with hearts for Valentine’s Day. Thanks for sharing. I’m sure I’ll be making this one a lot.
Perfect for a last minute table runner. And it is so easily adjusted for any theme. 🙂 So many possibilities…
I LOVE this idea!! I’ve never thought about doing this, but I am definitely going to give it a try. Maybe I can find some faux snowflakes to use for winter.
Katie, this was so much fun to make and see how it turned out. And you can do anything with this idea. Happy you love it as much as I do. 🙂
Love it! Great idea and very creative! I sew and quilt, so I usually make either table runners or smaller “table toppers” out of fabric. They lay flat but have some dimension to them, much like your leaves. I’ve also made smaller items to use as candle mats for large pillar candles or candle warmer.
Oh, I wish my sewing machine was working, but sadly, it needs some help. Your toppers and warmers so amazing! 🙂 Glad you like my no-sew approach to a table runner.
How clever to use tape. I would totally take it back apart for storage of the leaves and maybe even use them for another purpose next year. I love the flexibility of this and your table was beautiful!
Tape was a must because I didn’t want to ruin the leaves…they are so pretty, and I want to use them again–for years to come. 🙂 So glad you like this idea.
I have my mother’s Royal Dalton China Ware and I noticed you have that also! Thank you for linking up at the Let’s Get Real Weekly Link Party. Tweeted and Pinned.
Please join us next week as well.
Thanks, Patty! I love that chine and I’m sure you do too. 🙂
This is so pretty and really easy. Thanks for sharing your post at the Over the Moon Link Party.
I love projects that are simple but have a huge impact & this certainly does! Very clever! I love your dishes too! Thank you for all your hard work at #HomeMattersParty
Looks great and such a simple DIY idea. Your tables looks gorgeous. #HomeMattersParty
OMG how genius is this idea for any kind of tablerunner! I love how simple it is and like you said, can be made to suit any occasion. Pinned and tweeted your link. #HomeMattersParty
Oh my, what a beautiful and easy craft !!! I never even thought of that!!! Love!!!! 🙂
Oh wow – I love this idea!! I always get the faux leaves at the dollar store for other craft projects and have some left over. Then I go an get more…:p Now I can use them all for this. PERFECT!!
What a lovely decoration! So so pretty! Found it on the #HomeMattersParty and am pinning it!
I love how your table runner can be made to fit any size table. Our Thanksgiving table is lots bigger than our usual table, and there’s no runners that will fit it! #HomeMattersParty
Your table is beautiful and I would not have thought to use the leaves as a table runner. I just shared it out as a suggestion to others. #HomeMattersParty
This is a genius idea, Lorelai. #HomeMattersParty
This gets me in the mood to embrace fall! Thank you for the inspiration and for hosting the #homematterslinkparty!
Thanks for sharing your easy table runner! It looks nice and your china, I have the same set! It’s all lovely.
Wow. This is so cute and easy! Thanks for the idea, I love it!
Johanna, this really is an EASY project. It w as a big hit on my Thanksgiving table too. 🙂
Your table runner is beautiful… but I’m loving your dishes… you have my grandma’s dishes!!!! My sister owns them now, but I always love when I see them.
Thanks, Emily! I love those dishes too. They are always so much fun to use. 🙂