Table runners are used in a variety of ways:
- Laid down the center of the table for decoration,
- Laid across the table to define seating, or
- Used to carry out a theme.
What is a table runner?
The table runner is a narrow length of cloth laid on top of tablecloths or on a bare table. Table runners are used in a variety of ways: Used to carry out a theme.
Why do people put table runners on tablecloths?
It’s true. Way back in the Medieval period, table runners were used to protect rare and valuable tablecloths from messy and uncouth diners, many of whom tended to use the tablecloth in front of them as a napkin.
How do you measure a table runner?
Table Runner How-To1. Determine the size of each runner: For the length, measure the width of your table. Add 12 inches for overhang and 1 inch for seam allowance. The runner's width should accommodate a large place setting, plus 1 inch for seam allowance.
How do you use table runners in a wedding?
Position table runners across the width of a table, connecting guests sitting across from each other and creating a placemat-type effect for each person. Place two table runners in an “X” formation across a round table.
Is a table runner necessary?
If you love the beauty of your table but want to provide some protection to keep the top of it safe from spills, stains, or food, then a table runner is an ideal choice.
Are table runners supposed to hang off table?
The length of your table runner is up to you. Ideally, it should hang at least six inches over each end of your table, but shouldn't hang further than your tablecloth. For example, if your table is 60 inches long, your table runner should be at least 72 inches long, allowing for six inches at either end of the table.
Do you use table runners and placemats together?
Placemats can be used with table runners in the exact same fabric or in colors, textures and patterns that complement each other. The option of whether or not to include a tablecloth will depend on how formal the setting is.
Do you eat with table runner on table?
This is usually done when not using for a dining setting but only as a decorative setting. And table runners aren't just for dining tables. They can be used on end tables, side tables, buffets, tea carts and coffee tables.
What can I use instead of a table runner?
Let's take a look at some alternative table runners for the breakfast nook, your dinner table, or even the dining room!!...1. Rustic Wooden BoardsVintage Book Sheets. ... Playful Scarves. ... Adorable Doilies. ... Whimsy Cheesecloth. ... Boyish Burlap. ... Simple Place Mats. ... Dual-Purpose Rug. ... Wrapping Paper.More items...•
Are placemats out of style?
Like formal dining rooms and fine china, placemats have mostly fallen out of style in favor of more minimalist, casual table settings. It makes sense. After all, they're just one more thing—to store, to set out, to wash, and then to put away again.
Is it OK to put placemats on top of a tablecloth?
Place your dinnerware settings directly on the tablecloth. However, there is no set rule here, and some people use placemats on top of the cloth. If this is the case, use cloth mats with a cloth tablecloth. Place delicately patterned placemats on solid-color tablecloths, and solid mats on patterned tablecloths.
Is it OK to leave placemats on the table?
Leaving placemats only on the table is also an option, and can serve as a reminder no to let the table get too cluttered with mail or other odds and ends that come into the house.
Do you need placemats if you have a tablecloth?
Tablecloths and placemats are not traditionally used together, but etiquette rules do not require them to be used separately. Typically, placemats are for everyday use, while tablecloths are used in more formal settings.
Do you need placemats on a wood table?
Scratches, dents, and other markings are usually unavoidable when you use your wood furniture every day. This is especially likely to happen while you're entertaining, such as during the holidays. Tablecloths, placemats, table runners, potholders, and coasters may all help to protect your wood.
Are tablecloths old fashioned?
Tablecloths may look old-fashioned, but a new study shows they improve our experience of meals. It turns out your grandmother was right: tablecloths are essential for an elegant dinner.
Is a tablecloth necessary?
Tablecloths have been used for decades to keep a table safe from the food placed upon it, but also to add to the style and colour of the place settings and the room in general. They are not always needed or wanted and can occasionally be a hindrance to the occasion.
Three Reasons Why Table Runners Are (Still) In Style
The popularity of table runners was declining a few years ago, yet they keep holding on to the market like a charm. Many people have seen them as seemingly “out of fashion,” yet their usage has increased recently, making it seem like they are making a comeback. However, many people still question the use of table runners.
A Safety Precaution
Table runners have a lot of functions other than just plain aesthetics. Although not as optimal, table runners can be used as something akin to placemats, allowing your table to stay as pristine as possible while table runners soak all the wet, gross, and stain-inducing foods like soups and colored dishes.
Make It Your Own
Aside from sticking up to the theme, table runners also serve another completely different but related purpose: self-expression and personalization. For example, if you are a person that values simplicity, minimalism and would prefer a clean look, a white and gray or white and black motif for your table runner would be no less than perfect.
Sheer Availability
What makes this degree of personalization possible is that table runners come in various sizes and designs. For example, table runners can be made out of your favorite animal patterns in plain colors such as orange and green. Moreover, some have frills while others do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may be surprised at how extensive the styling options for table runners are. Aside from the classic styling, you can use multiple table runners. With that in mind, you can also use them to run from left to right (longwise) instead of top to bottom (crosswise).
What is a table runner?
A table runner for use on a round table is the same as for a square or rectangle table. You can follow the same guidelines for use on a round table as rectangular, placing it down the center with a drop over the edges. However, another use is to have two table runners that cross in the center of the table.
Why use a table runner outside?
The easiest use for a table runner outside of the dining room is to protect the surface of other pieces of furniture. From a coffee table to the top of a dresser, you can’t go wrong with a beautiful table runner as protection against scratches or water stains.
How much space do you need for a table runner?
If you choose to center the table runner completely on the tabletop to allow a place setting on each end, the space needed for those place settings is about 12 inches. A table runner that is much shorter than the length of your table serves as a great base layer for a centerpiece.
How long should a table runner be?
You can choose to let the table runner hang over the ends of the table or fit completely on the table, allowing a place setting at each end. If you choose to let the table runner hang over the ends the edge should have 6 to 15 inches ...
Can you use burlap on a table?
Using a table runner on a bare table allows you to accent the beauty of a tabletop. This is particularly effective when the tabletop is made of beautiful wood. The use of a burlap table runner on a rustic wood table elevates its style, whether in your own home or at a larger gathering, like a wedding reception.
Can you use a table runner as a placemat?
Table Runners as Placemats for Two. As mentioned above, a round table for four can be set using a table runner as placemats for two place settings. The same crisscrossed table runners can be used on a square table for four to serve as placemats for each diner. You could also use table runners placed to provide placemats for more than four diners on ...
How to use a table runner?
Traditionally, a table runner is placed down the center of the table on its own or layered on top of a tablecloth, but there is a myriad of ways to use a table runner. Here are some of our favorites: 1 Position table runners across the width of a table, connecting guests sitting across from each other and creating a placemat-type effect for each person. 2 Place two table runners in an “X” formation across a round table. 3 In an informal table setting, use a shorter table runner down the center of the table to highlight a centerpiece. 4 Use a lace table runner on top of a credenza or dresser for a vintage, shabby-chic look.
What are table runners made of?
For formal occasions like weddings and special events, consider table runners made of silk, satin, organza, or polyester for their shiny, smooth surfaces. For casual use, natural fabrics like cotton, twill, and bamboo work well.
Why was the table runner invented?
The table runner was born in the Middle Ages, mainly because medieval folks were sloppy. The tablecloth was considered an aristocratic innovation, but it needed protection from lively and careless royal revelers who spilled, drooled and made a mess! No doubt, the wise women responsible for laundering linens came up with the innovative idea for ...
Why do people use table runners?
Some people use table runners on a bare table, buffet bar or table, to provide extra color and protection to the center of their table. They might purchase coordinating place mats to create more protection of the table at each place setting. Smaller runners can make the perfect tablecloth for coffee tables, buffets and consoles.
What are table runners made of?
They are made from all sorts of materials including cloth (silk, linen, cotton, and polyester), vinyl, plastic, and paper; and in a variety of ways including handmade, machine-made, embroidered, quilted, and beaded in a variety of designs, patterns, colors, and sizes. There are numerous types of table runners ranging from Casual to Formal ...
Why are tablecloths less expensive than tablecloths?
Because they are smaller and use less fabric, they are less expensive than tablecloths and they take up less room to store in the linen closet.
Why were napkins invented?
Napkins were also invented because it was no longer considered acceptable to wipe your mouth on the tablecloth. These ingenious long, narrow pieces of cloth now known as “table runners” were placed over the tablecloths.
