About Table Runners

Table runners are what the well dressed table is wearing today. Designed to complement the tablecloth, the china and other dining accessories, table runners are often thought of as stylish but unnecessary. Yet, they can serve as place mats, as table dividers, and even as the tablecloth itself. They can be formal or casual, fancy or plain, fun or serious.

History

The table runner was born in the Middle Ages, presumably because medieval folk were sloppy. The tablecloth itself was considered quite the aristocratic innovation, but it needed protection from revelers. Napkins had been invented, as wiping one's mouth on the tablecloth became passé. But that didn't prevent the King and his court from turning their cups of mead over on the cloth. Hence the table runner, which became a fixture in everyone's trousseau, or collection of linens, by the 15th century. The long, narrow piece of cloth was laid over the real tablecloth, and gathered up at the end of the meal. Voila: a clean tablecloth appeared.

Significance

Over the years, as people became more couth, the table runner became more of a decoration than a shield for spills and drools. A table runner draping over the edges of the table began to be associated with a formal look. Tassels from the ends added a note of opulence. As beading, embroidery, fringe, quilting and even fur began to appear, the table runner became an important statement of luxury.

Function

Table runners perform many different tasks in a well decorated home:
-Doing the job of a place mat
-Serving as backdrop for a sculpture or objet d'art
-Becoming a dresser scarf to catch odds and ends
-Protecting the furniture
-Unifying decorative elements
-Adding a festive note for the holidays
-Making a statement in the dining room
-Serving as centerpiece

Types

There are numerous classes of table runners:
-Casual
-Formal
-Holiday
-Shabby chic
-Country
-Boudoir
-Country French
-Handmade

Features

The table runner of today has evolved into a multi-featured, versatile accent for the home. It can feature battery operated lights that will twinkle all through the holidays. It can feature beading or mirrored glass for a dressy and stylish look. You can even feature your own handiwork, creating a crocheted table runner or dresser scarf, or even one with your embroidery, needlepoint or cross stitching. Make your own simple table runner with a length of cloth 12 inches wide, and long enough to drape over the sides of your table, but never lower than the hem of the tablecloth, and then add tassels, fringe, beads or even ornaments as a unique feature.

Resources

• History of Table Linens