How to Set the Table for a Dinner Party With Table Runners

Incorporate a table runner into your dinner party decor.

A runner gives your dinner party table a more interesting look than a simple tablecloth. Rather than simply placing your runner on the table, incorporate it into your table decorations. Place a tablecloth on your table and pair it with a runner in a contrasting color or fabric for a table setting with visual interest. Make your own table runner or purchase one from a home store that coordinates with the colors and style of your home. Does this Spark an idea?

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Tablecloth
Place mats
China
Napkins
Candles

Instructions

- 1
  
  Place a tablecloth on the table. Choose a tablecloth in a muted color and contrast it with a bright runner, or choose two bright colors that coordinate with each other.
- 2
  
  Place your table runner on the table horizontally so that it runs down the length of the table. Center the runner perfectly on the table. The runner should be long enough so that it extends down from the edges of the table on both sides by several inches.
- 3
  
  Add place mats to the table in the same color and fabric of the table runner for each setting.
- 4
  
  Place the china, glasses and silverware on the place mats at each table setting. Add a napkin in the same color you chose for the tablecloth.
- 5
  
  Place evenly spaced candles down the length of the table runner for your dinner party table decorations.