Easy DIY Table Runner - Autumn or Anytime

2 Materials
$5
20 Minutes
Easy
A simple and creative table runner could be just what you are looking for to bring a little something extra to your table or buffet. This is a great idea for any party. Be sure to check out the full post for more lovely autumn decor ideas.
Last Thanksgiving, we hosted the family dinner. Now, I have hosted many large family parties for holidays and other occasions over the years; but this time, I had a much smaller house to make the most of in a functional and pretty way. I no longer had the drop-leaf tea cart or extra buffet to use for additional serving space, and that meant my table had to be special without a centerpiece taking up valuable space.


I love setting a beautiful table, and making it all festive and seasonal, so what was I going to do?  I plowed through my tote of Autumn decor and found some silk leaves in all the gorgeous autumn colors. And then, I had a fantastic idea–I could create a lovely table runner with these leaves!
To make this idea be functional, I needed to construct a table runner and not just throw loose leaves all over the place. Loose leaves would be a mess and a nuisance as guests passed dishes around the table. But, I also did not want to ruin my silk leaves. I wanted to use them again. So, here’s what I came up with…


Supplies:
  • Silk Leaves (Snowflakes, Hearts, Shamrocks, Flower Petals, Stars, Cupcakes, Dinosaurs, or any shape of choice–think Die Cuts)
  • Tape
How To:
  1. If you have items of different colors or sizes, separate them by color and size.
  2. Take a couple of pieces and turn them upside down on your work surface.
  3. Tape the pieces together so the tape will not show from the front side.
  4. Add one piece at a time, taping them together until you have constructed the length or shape table runner you like–the possibilities are endless.
  5. Carefully flip the runner right side up, and place on your table.
Could this project be any simpler? I don’t think so. And, I have to tell you, my table runner was a huge hit at Thanksgiving.


I love the way the runner has a little depth with the openings left in the design and the ruffled, not quite flat lay of the leaves. Our food platters sat atop the runners easily, but the leaves poked out in vibrant bursts of color, absolutely stunning. I used leaves in other areas for decoration, so it all tied together nicely.
See the full post and other decor ideas HERE.
Resources for this project:
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Life With Lorelai
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  3 questions
  • Marylew Finster Marylew Finster on Nov 18, 2017

    Lovely! Your dishes are beautiful too! The side table looks so nice....how did you do that??

  • Mary Mary on Aug 22, 2020

    Did you use double sided tape?

  • Pampam Pampam on Aug 20, 2023

    Did your hot serving dishes damage the leaf runner or your table?

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