Decorating trends come and go, but few go the distance and become timeless classics. Setting a table with burlap table linens and burlap table runners however, is a look that is here to stay. In the same way an Olympic underdog who isn’t on anyone’s radar screen but wins big instantly captures fans’ hearts, seeing burlap on a dinner table always delights. It’s the surprise factor. Who knew a fabric as humble as burlap could look so amazing?
From casually rustic barn wedding receptions to urban fundraising dinners, the “wow” factor of burlap is turning up everywhere these days. It’s the go to textile for everyone from brides, wedding professionals, interior designers to do-it-yourself party planners.
A burlap runner looks at home on a farmstead kitchen island or atop an heirloom mahogany table under a vintage crystal chandelier. It is equally right whether you’re in flip flops and shorts munching on a burger or entertaining special friends by candlelight.
Burlap runners add a hint of natural color, an organic texture, and a warm welcoming feel to a room. And it takes only a split second to put a burlap runner on a table, desk, credenza or podium.
DESIGN MEDALS
Part of what makes the Summer Olympics so exciting is the sheer number of sports featured. What if, instead of beach volleyball, soccer and gymnastics, the only competition in which athletes competed was shot put?
Variety is the spice of life whether in the Olympic or decorating in your home. At Premier Table Linens, however, runners are a special favorite — on the track and on the table.
* A burlap table runner placed along the center of a bare table looks fine, but to outdo the competition consider adding a runner on top of a linen cloth. Pair natural colored burlap with browns, tans, copper, burgundy or orange under cloths for an earthy effect. Cream white burlap runners look sensational with pastels and brights. Pale burlap runners also look crisp and sharp topping a natural burlap tablecloth.
* Lay two table runners along opposite long seating edges (leaving the center of the under cloth exposed.) This arrangement beautifully spotlights your place settings and china.
* Cross two matching or contrasting runners to create a lively dynamic. On a large round table, crossed runners can be used to fashion “private” areas with two “seating’s” in each area between the runners.
*Arrange three or five shorter burlap runners across the width of the table. Pointed edge runners are especially eye-catching in this formation.
Premier Table Linens’ burlap runners are available in 13″ or 18″ widths with square, pointed or fringed ends.
GET FIT
Ask any athlete what it takes to set a world record and they’ll probably tell you that years of training, perseverance and accurate measurements are equally important.
In choosing a table runner, careful measurement is key. To decide how long a runner to order to be placed on a bare table, add 10 to 14 inches to the length of the table. That gives you 5 to 7 inches of burlap to hang past the edge of the table at each end.
When I want a runner that is shorter than the table, however, I subtract 8 to 12 inches from the length of the table. This way the runner stops 4 to 6 inches short of the edge.
When using a runner on top of a tablecloth, the edges or the point of the runner should meet the edge of the tablecloth or end an inch or two above.
WINNING EMBELLISHMENTS
Sometimes an athlete needs a little something extra to become a champion. Here are a few extras that can turn an ordinary table runner into a knockout.
Fringe: Fringe burlap linens and burlap table runners with fringe look terrific paired with a base cloth, as the color below shows through. Also beautiful on a wooden table giving even more of a rustic and chic look. The fringing is done by hand and cost only $3 more than straight or pointed edge burlap table runners. As one customer that recently left feedback on their burlap with fringe they received said, “the fringe is worth ten times the price in gold”.
Monograms: Purchase an inexpensive alphabet stencil, fabric paint and a stencil brush and you’re in business. Depending on your preference, you can either add your initials along the center of the runner or add them at opposite ends of the burlap. Or, for a kitchen table runner, spell out ‘Mom”, “Dad”, “Junior” and “Janet” at the places where your family usually sits.
Appliques: Prefer a scissors to a paintbrush? Personalize your runner with letters cut from fabric. Get in touch with your inner artist by adding appliques of vegetables, the outlines of plates and platters, flowers, or silhouettes.
Holiday Help: Now that Labor Day has come and gone, it’s time to start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Plan an all-natural dinner theme featuring burlap runners, pine cones, twigs and other decorations plucked from the garden. And, don’t forget, burlap runners touched with sparkling glitter and embellished with seasonal sentiments — “Peace”, “Joy” or “Happy Holidays” — make great gifts.
For more ideas, visit Studio5 to see blogger Kami Watson’s super simple ideas for stunning burlap add ons.
GO FOR THE GOLD
The Olympics are the ultimate expression of athletic excellence. Now that the 2012 games are over, it’s time to create the ultimate design elegance in your home.
With Premier Table Linens’ years in training and expertise, they have a winner by a long run with the highest quality refined Premier 100 percent Jute, American-made burlap products.
Melissa R
on September 3, 2013 at 10:07 pmI love Burlap and so glad I found this post.
Ava
on June 9, 2013 at 12:17 pmBe sure to check out the red Burlap and Lace table runners they added this week. Received mine Friday. They are gorgeous and priceless. http://www.burlap-tablecloth.com/burlap-table-runners/natural-burlap-lace/red-lace-jute.html
Ashley Watts
on May 24, 2013 at 12:06 amMy mom actually turned me on to Burlap. It is addictive and you guys are the best at what you do. Thanks for all the neat shares and information!
margaret peg m
on November 18, 2012 at 9:42 pm‘burlap chic’, very organic and earthy.
Joyce Wingood
on October 28, 2012 at 12:26 pmGreat ideas!!! Love it! Thanks for sharing!
Emily Clark
on October 25, 2012 at 7:43 pmBurlap is here to stay, see it even more in so many settings now. The more I see it the more I love it.
Kelley
on October 23, 2012 at 10:05 pmKeep in mind not all Burlap is created equal….
After reading this blog I had the confidence to purchase burlap table linens and burlap runners from this company and the quality is the best I have ever seen. THANK YOU!
Geoffrey
on October 4, 2012 at 11:01 pmI love the way the burlap brings out the country feel. I think what makes it especially effective is the fringe though, the burlap fringe give both burlap table runners and burlap tablecloths an even more rustic, charming, intimate finish that no other table runner or tablecloth can.
Stacey M. Curry
on October 4, 2012 at 11:47 amAbsolutely love the looks you can get with the burlap!
Gerald
on October 3, 2012 at 8:53 pmI recently came across this blog site and have read every blog. I want to express my admiration of your writing skill and ability to educate consumers while making the reading very entertaining. You have make my wife and I a big fan.
Rebekah Robinson
on October 2, 2012 at 4:54 pmBurlap is such a simple, lovely way to decorate!
Brandy
on October 1, 2012 at 5:53 pmBurlap is so classy. I love how it goes with everything. Love the photos.
Tanta
on September 29, 2012 at 3:27 amObsessed with everything burlap right now! We will certainly be using is at our wedding!!
Jennifer Ruff
on September 28, 2012 at 10:09 pmWho knew burlap could be so elegant?!?!
Evelyn
on September 29, 2012 at 11:57 amWho knew burlap could be so addicting?! 🙂
Michelle H.
on September 28, 2012 at 11:26 amI think burlap is one of my favorite fabrics for home decorating; I love the idea of embellishing it with stencils and fabric paint.
Burlap Lover
on September 26, 2012 at 8:31 pmBurlap is HOT and your company has the market cornered and for good reason, you have the best burlap. I know this 1st hand as we purchased all our burlap for our rustic wedding this past Spring from you. Since then we have redecorated our home and have burlap throughout the house. Thank you for giving your customers this blog site full of great ideas.
Melissa
on September 26, 2012 at 8:31 amI love burlap. It’s such a natural and organic look.
<3 Melissa
Norman
on September 25, 2012 at 9:38 pmWhite burlap table runners over natural burlap tablecloths or on a wooden table is not just rustic but gorgeous and stylish!
KHBride
on September 25, 2012 at 1:33 amGreat ideas! I totally want to “borrow” them for Thanksgiving this year! Thanks!
X
on September 24, 2012 at 5:21 pmLove the burlap trend!
Sleepyheadedmom
on September 24, 2012 at 4:29 pmI love burlap. I’m not sure if it’s the natural look, or the fact you can mix it with nearly anything but you just can’t seem to go wrong with it.
Marie Howard
on September 24, 2012 at 4:24 amBurlap looks so pretty as a runner!
Franco Garcia
on September 23, 2012 at 9:21 pmJust FYI, We purchased a large quantity of burlap table runners from your company 2 weeks ago and we are very pleased with the price, service and quality. Did not even realize you have a blog site. We have now subscribed and will look forward to more of your great blogs. Please especially keep blogs on burlap coming!
Murielle
on September 22, 2012 at 1:52 pmBurlap is HUGE on pinterest right now, and this article does a great job of summing up the various uses! I just ordered 12 table-runners, and I can’t wait to experiment with them!
Madeleine Sprenger
on September 22, 2012 at 1:04 amI really love burlap! It is so in style right now! My fiance and I are having a rustic, farm, Octoberfest and burlap is a perfect fit! Love your flexible choices for ordering it! I think I have found the perfect place to get our table coverings.
Mike
on September 20, 2012 at 11:59 pmAbsolutely beautiful!
I have purchased burlap tablecloths and runners from your company and love the product. I LOVE the fringe burlap!!!
Ryan
on September 20, 2012 at 1:50 pmGreat to see everyone’s appreciation of our blog post we thank you all.
Ryan
Christian
on September 16, 2012 at 5:38 pmThose burlap table runner pictures and ideas are just fabulous.
Barbara Lomax
on September 15, 2012 at 7:13 pmI just ran across your blog and it is so cute! Glad to find another blogger with the same passion for burlap!
Lee
on September 15, 2012 at 7:01 pmI love how this was written and all the ideas you’ve presented! Burlap is so charming and versatile when it is good quality.
Chris
on September 13, 2012 at 12:36 amGreat ideas and tips. We have purchased many burlap products from your company and we know you won the burlap Oympics. Now you have give us even more ideas!