Caminos De Mesa

Table Runners

Table runners made of sumptuous fabrics can add a touch of elegance to a table. On the other hand, they can enliven an informal dinner party with a fun motif or a holiday dinner with patterns of holly or Easter lilies. With the vast variety of options to choose from, there is a table runner for any type of dinner party or event.

Table runners are long, narrow pieces of fabric that run down the center of the table from one end to the other. You can also use two on either side. A runner can just overhang the ends or can hang down nearly to the floor.

Table runners are made out of a great variety of materials. They include lace, silk, velvet, satin, cotton, and linen. They can be woven to look like medieval tapestries or Mexican serapes, be made of scraps of fabric for a quilted look, or made of braided jute. Some are made of burlap or burlap edged with lace or ribbon, and some are fringed or have tassels at their ends. They can be embroidered or embellished with sequins or beads. They can be reversible and have patterns of plaid, gingham, leaves, flowers, and paisley.

A lot of how the piece is laundered or not depends on the material it is made of. But whatever it is made of you should:

• Blot up spills right away. With most fabrics, rinse what is left of the spill with lukewarm water and a mild detergent.
• Wash the runner immediately after it is used, even if you intend to keep it on the table as a decoration. Use warm or even cold water and oxygen-based bleach. If there is a care label, follow the instructions. Do not use fabric softeners, for these can weaken the weave of the fabric.

When they are not being used, the proper way to store them is to iron them, if they can be ironed, and then roll them up. You can do this with a mailing tube or even an old paper towel tube. Roll a few sheets of acid-free tissue paper over the roll, then roll the runner over it, and cover it with more acid-free paper. Store it horizontally in the linen closet. You can also hang it from a padded clothes hanger. Put some tissue paper between the hanger and the runner first.