Spring has officially sprung! Woo hoo! And as the temperatures begin to warm up, the streets are beginning to become crowded once again with people running. And I have to ask myself … why?
I have friends who run. Some run on treadmills. Some run cross country for their schools. Some run marathons. And some just run for fun. Yeah, I know, they’re crazy people. But someone has to love them : ).
I never really understood the appeal of “running”. I tried it when I was younger (and thinner) but never found that addictive high that draws people in and holds them captive. It escaped me. I became a prisoner of a way different kind of sport. Surfing. Couch surfing that is.
But I guess in reality I do run every day. It’s just not the kind of running done with a headband and tube socks. Ok, maybe an occasional headband, but only on really bad hair days.
My kind of “running” consists of the following:
- I run here.
- I run there.
- I run errands.
- I run late.
- I run amuck.
- I run out of time … all the time.
- I run out of patience.
- I run off at the mouth sometimes … sorry for that.
- I run into stores … for what my son says is “forever”.
- I run through the drive-thru way too many times for dinner.
- I run into concrete pillars at the mall … ok, only once, but I still did.
- I run around the topic when my husband asks how much I spent at Target.
And occasionally, I run out of creativity.
But this isn’t one of those times. Whew! Thankfully, I have had lots of ideas for this blog submission topic. I just didn’t have the time to create an example for every single one (there are thirty, you know). Instead I spent a few days blog rolling around the cyber world and compiled an eclectic collection of photos for your inspirational, well, inspiration. (Btw - just click on the word, phrase or picture to get to the idea’s original web-home.)
Oh, I guess I should let you know what the subject is. Unless you’ve already scrolled down and peeked (shame on you) … but in case you haven’t, it’s Table Runners. I know. Exciting, isn’t it? I can hear your collective screams of “That’s just what we were hoping for” coupled with giddy squeals of delight. So happy you're happy!
Table runners, if you didn't already know, can truly be an element that will set your party apart and make it memorable. And isn’t that what we all want for our celebratory events … lasting wow! kind of memories? Yeah, I know I’m stretching it here … but work with me.
Now, in an effort to carry the running theme throughout this posting, I have divided the Table Runner discussion into three running related categories: Track Meet Ideas, Cross Country Concepts and Marathon Models.
First are the Track Meet Ideas. These are creations that won’t take up too much time in prep or execution. They are most like “sprints” which require only short bursts of energy and focus.
- Gift Wrap: themes and motifs are endless; inexpensive and ready availability are the best reasons to try this option from Martha Stewart.
- Wallpaper: perfect use for leftover pieces from Project Wedding.
- Maps: tie location to party theme (another great idea from Martha Stewart).
- Wood Veneer: avoid competing wood grains and use this option from Martha Stewart over a painted or cloth covered surface.
- Paper Doilies / Cut-outs: get the kids involved with this runner idea from my Valentine's Day post, or the one below from Laura Fenton; try a daisy or paper doll chain too.
- Scarves: brilliant aha idea; thanks to Good Houskeeping, now I have a use for them the 11 months of the year they're not needed here in Texas.
- Burlap: leave edges ragged and raw or hem like this example from Style Me Pretty for a more polished look; add silk screened or stamped images for a graphic, modern twist.
- Beach Mats: lay short end to short end; may need to undo edging and hand sew mats together for longer lengths. This summery example is from Blissed Out.
- Netting / Tulle: try faux fish netting from a crafts store for a nautical theme; lengths of billowy tulle are sweet additions to a princess party or baby shower.
- Window Screening: both the silver aluminum and black plastic kinds would bring a masculine element to a tablescape.
- Mirrors: lay differing shapes and sizes end to end and top with candles for extra sparkle. This elegant example comes from Lolliblog.
Second are the Cross Country Concepts. These examples will take a larger investment of time and may need a wider skill set to accomplish. But don’t be scared. Hours of training are not necessary to complete these; only a few laps around the clock face.
- Crepe Paper: perfect for a feminine touch like this simple but stunning ruffly runner from Martha Stewart; be sure to protect underneath surface from bleeding if runner could possibly get wet.
- Printed Paper Rolls: create a custom design and have it printed on rolled paper like this pretty photo posted on Martha Stewart Weddings.
- Photos: enlarge and print photos then cover with clear contact paper for protection; could also recycle pictures from old calendars that fit the theme or motif.
- Oil Cloth: no other material is more perfect for use as a table runner; try a fresh and funky print such as this one found at Modern June.
- Chalkboard Cloth: how fun to be able to label everything you set down; buy chalk cloth ready to go like what Modern June uses for this fun Thanksgiving setup, or paint your own using blackboard paint and builder’s paper (find this in rolls at the hardware store). A good fake is black bulletin board paper, as used in this fun example from Martha Stewart Weddings. It gives the same look as chalk cloth and chalkboard paint, but it's not erasable.
Felt: its no-ravel property makes it a great option for creating interesting cut-outs and no-sew projects. This interesting felt pine cone table runner comes from Better Homes and Gardens.
- Vintage Hankies and Doilies: shabby chic beauty as well as a fabulous way to display grandmothers’ linens in a modern way. Find these vintage ideas on Craftbits and Country Living.
- Flags: gently tack or glue dollar store versions end-to-end for a patriotic themed event.
- Wood Plank: bring nature to the table with a distressed length of wood; insect removal would be a preparation must. This rustically elegant image comes from 100 Layer Cake.
Lastly are the Marathon Models. Here’s a group that will require a good block of time and patience. A successful finish to these projects calls for proper pacing; working too hard, too fast may cause burn out and lead you to drop out of the race all together. Just remember that at the end of this finish line are designs both unique and stunning.
- Knitted: think scarves on steroids; adds warmth and softness to any tablescape.
- Beads and/or Sequins: string on monofilament and lay multiple lengths down table center; add candles to bring out more sparkle.
- Perler Beads: crazy I know, but way fun for a summer picnic; make in sections and assemble like a puzzle; this option would be a REAL conversation piece.
- Grass: sod is easy to cut with a utility knife and readily available; how fun for an Easter buffet. This all natural grass runner comes from Raising Granola.
- Moss: could be a bit messy, but what a great way to get a woodland feel like this one from Samantha Luck.
- Pebbles / Tile Sections: tedious job securing the pebbles, but worth the effort to get a contemporary vibe; mosaic tile sections from the hardware store would give you the same feel for less effort, plus be heat resistant for hot serving dishes. Check out this pretty pebble runner from Australia Entertains.
So the next time you’re putting together accessories for a party, take a lesson from the Jamaican bobsled team and do something unexpected by including one of these funky, fabulous and fun table runner ideas. These guys defied their nation’s summer sporting norm by pursuing a Winter Olympic dream. They traded their track cleats for bobsled spikes; their baggy shorts for spandex suits. Here’s your reason to toss those passé tablecloths in the Goodwill box (or repurpose them into something else … say, curtain panels) and replace them with some “Cool Runnings”.
(Oh yes I did! And everybody who sees them loves them!)
Happy running dear reader!
~ Elizabeth (ekb)