Ribbon. Don’t you just love it? I like to decorate tables with ribbon by loosely weaving them into table runners. There is a ribbon factory near where I live in northwest PA that my crafty friends and I love to visit. They have a bin of ribbon overruns that you’re allowed to root through. You can stuff a plastic bag chock full of ribbon for just $5.00!

You might not be able to get ribbon as cheap as I do, but even if you buy it retail, it’s not all that expensive. There are two main types of ribbon readily available – satin and grosgrain (pronounced grow-grain – the “s” is silent.) Satin ribbon isn’t necessarily made from satin these days. It’s often made of polyester or some other soft and shiny material. Grosgrain ribbon is thicker and sturdier than satin and usually less expensive. They both look great on a table and there’s no reason you can’t mix the two.

Here are a dozen tablescapes featuring ribbon table runners. Some are quite simple and some are more intricate, but they all make a dramatic impact.

First, my own creation. One of my hobbies is ribbon weaving, so I made this table runner using a technique that gives a three-dimensional effect. This is made with specialty ribbon from the ribbon factory that is a little heavier than grosgrain. I make them in all colors. They make wonderful gifts.

The fellows from The Cavendar Diary added pink and brown ribbons to a chocolate tablecloth. They combined satin and grosgrain ribbons in several widths with stunning results.

The B.Loved Blog decorated tables for a rainbow-themed wedding reception by simply laying out brightly colored ribbons side by side down the center of tables covered with white tablecloths. They also tied bows on the chairs with the ribbon which brought the whole look together.

Here’s an idea for a kid’s party from Martie Knows Parties. The bright satin ribbons are woven on a table that isn’t even covered with a tablecloth. With all the colors of ribbon available, you could decorate for any theme.

Style Me Pretty features a lovely ribbon table runner in white, peach and a hint or silver. This would really dress up a wedding table.

Ashley from Blog a la Cart laid 3″ wide ribbons side by side both vertically and horizontally. This ribbon table runner makes a huge impact with just a little bit of effort.

When the Ruffled blog teamed up with Antiquaria, they produced this gorgeous tablescape decorated with white, pink, and blue satin ribbons of different widths. It coordinates beautifully with the flower centerpieces.

Check out this beautiful table from Kara’s Party Ideas. The end of the ribbons don’t hang off the table. They are wrapped around the table and tied underneath for a great form-fitting look.

I love the bold colored ribbons on this modern tablescape from 100 Layer Cake. The satin ribbons are of different widths and colors and look great with the bright flowers.

Lauren from The Knot wove a table topper in pink, coral, and navy grosgrain ribbons. I wish I could see the top of the table. I bet the basket-weave effect is gorgeous on these cocktail tables.

The white, silver, and charcoal satin ribbons on this table from Wedding Wire are trés chic. The ribbon table runner is simple and subtle, yet stunning.

Martha Stewart Weddings decorated this beautiful ribbon-weave table top with green and white ribbons. It is so classy looking, especially with the green and white hydrangeas. Scroll down the page to see other table decorating ideas using ribbon.

Ribbon table runners add a lot of punch for very little time and money. With all the colors and styles of ribbon available, you could pull a look together in no time. And if you need a beautiful tablecloth underneath all that pretty ribbon, remember, we sell and rent tablecloths in all colors and sizes.