50 Thanksgiving Table Runner Ideas to Decorate Your Table This Year

As the Thanksgiving Season comes peeking around the corner, you’re probably looking for more ways to spice up your decorations. Most likely, you’re paying a lot of attention to your table and how you can make it look better in front of you and your guests.

If you’re looking for a recommendation on how to do the task, you may want to start with looking for a thanksgiving table runner. This will pull your table and its entire design together. We believe this is a better feature to add than overloading it with non-functional pieces like signs and likes.

For an overview, a Thanksgiving Table Runner refers to both a Thanksgiving tablecloth and runner. This is a piece of cloth that stretches from one end of the table to the other. Unlike centerpieces or a placemat, this allows longer and broader coverage.

Moreover, Thanksgiving table linens are very useful. It can serve for aesthetic and protection at the same time. Using this will prevent stains on your table. In addition, it will be a better placeholder for all your dishes, giving a more organized look.

There is one problem, though. Since there are a lot of variations of table runners, clueless homeowners may find it hard to decide. Not only that, but they may also find it even more difficult to find viable options in the first place.

Because of this, we have collected 50 of the best Thanksgiving table runner ideas in this article.

To be specific, you can expect table runners in Burlap, Chalkboard, Beaded, Plaid, Patchwork Quilt, Handwoven, Customized, Floral, Lace, and Crochet. These are classic yet fun designs that your whole family can enjoy. What makes these even better is each material will open a lot more Thanksgiving-inspired choices. Meaning, you won’t have to worry about limitations at all.

If you want to know more about the table runner types, then head to the following sections.

Thanksgiving table runner ideas:

1. Burlap Table Runner

The first on our list is a burlap table runner. This comes in a woven fabric, which is very similar to boho designs in terms of texture and design. You may even think of woven rice sacks at some point if you’re familiar with them.

The thing with burlaps is they’re available in both plain and colored ones. There are also those with bespoke designs since the base material is very flexible. It also has protective qualities. Overall, this assures a lot of pros when used as a table runner.

Price-wise, you can expect this to be an affordable choice. Hence, this won’t require large sums of money. It’s also durable, so expect it to last you years of Thanksgiving dinners.

2. Chalkboard Table Runner

Next up, we have a more fun choice, which will be perfect for families who like a personalized Thanksgiving season. In particular, we’re talking about a chalkboard table runner.

Chalkboard table runners are preferred by households with young members, both literally and figuratively. Here, a long chalkboard with a stylish frame can be posted along with the table. Members can then write what they are thankful about on the boards.

Of course, aside from creativity, this can also hold dishes quite sturdier since boards are more durable. Thus, this maintains the functionality provided by a regular table runner.

3. Beaded Table Runner

A beaded table runner comes with a classy and elegant take on Thanksgiving tables. From the name, you can expect this type to usually be made up of sequins, beads, and other sewing decors. This allows it to give a fancy vibe over your tables.

The designs that beaded lines can offer you are limitless. It’s a useful fact, especially if you take your home aesthetics seriously.

Though this can be pricier compared to burlaps, it still won’t require a large investment on your end. This is also a common choice for those who want to keep their Thanksgiving in a traditional sense.

4. Plaid Table Runner

If you want to keep a more classic feel, then plaid table runners are the way to go. These are the fun, checkered designs that are usually used in events, both formal and informal. It makes it ideal for a traditional Thanksgiving Season.

Plaids, like the types above, also come in different colors. The most usual ones you’ll see are red and black, white and black, and the likes. If you’re aiming for a well-felt Thanksgiving, though, you should look for autumn color schemes.

Apart from being classic, plaid table runners also have a retro style, which makes them perfect for all ages.

5. Patchwork Quilt Table Runner

Patchwork quilt table runners have a more comfortable material since it’s made of a quilt. The patchwork style also adds a creative and fun look to your Thanksgiving dinners. Since we’re following a certain theme (Thanksgiving), you can play with numerous cubic designs rather than being torn on only one kind.

A common misconception about patchwork is you’re limited to geometric patterns, but that is not the case at all. If you’re availing of personalized quilt table runners, then you can specify that one patch comes in a pumpkin, another comes in autumn leaves, and another comes in printed “Thanks” messages.

6. Handwoven Table Runner

If you want to appreciate local and handmade crafts for Thanksgiving, or you just have the talent in weaving runners by hand, then you should consider a handwoven table runner. This is usually made up of two kinds of materials, which show a more detailed design.

This kind of table runner also opens a lot of opportunities for customization. What makes this more distinct is its “unfinished” design on its edges, which look like hanging threads instead of clean cuts.

Note, though, that this can be more expensive and sometimes hard to find because of the materials’ authenticity. If you’re having issues with the latter, then consider looking into your local shops and craft-based businesses.

7. Customized Table Runner

Now, for the most fun part, we have customized table runners as one of the best choices. Not only does this give you the exact table runner that you want, but this can also serve as a way to bond with your family members.

To do this, simply find a cloth of your choice, preferably plain, and start designing it as you want. You can use paint, crayons, sharpies, and even embroidering materials. Some homeowners even like putting traditional handprints in their chosen table runners.

Basically, the material, design, colors, and the entirety of the table runner will be up to you.

8. Floral Table Runner

If you like flowers or plants in general, then having a floral table runner will be a good choice. In modern times, people will label this aesthetic as “fairly core,” which basically describes the environment that fairies live in. This is exactly what you’ll feel by using flowers as your Thanksgiving table runner.

To better understand, note that we’re not talking about linen clothes with floral designs. We’re talking about actual (or synthetic) plants placed all along the center of your dining table. You can add a butterfly clip-on for a more detailed effect. Alternatively, you can even add your crops if you’re someone who likes gardening.

9. Lace Table Runner

Lace table runners are another classic, elegant table piece that you’ll surely like if you’re in for vintage and Victorian-inspired designs. These usually come in white, but you can still find Thanksgiving-inspired laces in several shops.

This kind of table runner is versatile in terms of designs. More often than not, you will see laced flowers, webs, geometric patterns, and likes.

The best recommendation, you should consider this if you’re working with a wooden table. This is because the texture of the lace and the wood will best match each other. The classic white and traditional brown colors will also fit in.

10. Crochet Table Runner

The last on our list is a crochet table runner. You may think this is the same as handwoven table runners, but crocheted runners come more in the form of knitted cloths. This is also usually handmade, so it can be pricier compared to readily bought types.

Like any other, crochet table runners also come in different colors and designs. If you’re availing from an experienced shop, then you may even see complex designs made especially for Thanksgiving.

This kind of table runner combines the feels of a personalized and classic design piece. This can also be a good family bonding activity since this can be done even by beginners.

Conclusion

All in all, using table runners will definitely be a good choice to level up your decorations for Thanksgiving. The ones above are unconventional, but you can still expect them to fit whatever aesthetic you plan on following.

In deciding which kind of table runner to use, consider essential factors like your preference and budget. Doing so will enable you to land on the best table runner possible.

Even so, if you like specific suggestions, then look into chalkboards and customized runners if you want a more fun look. For those who want to stay classy and elegant, lace and beaded clothes will be ideal. Some are into a more organic look, which comes down to floral and burlap designs. The rest will mostly match any other theme.