Christmas Table Runner Patterns ~ Dress Your Table to the 9's

Decorating for the holiday season is a big deal. So naturally, you want your house to look festive and beautiful.

But you don't know where to start.

A Christmas table runner pattern is an easy way to decorate your dining room table for the holidays. These patterns will help you get started on making some fun and unique designs that can be used year after year.

With 20+ unique patterns in this roundup, there's something here for everyone. So grab your favorite fabrics, a cup of somethin' warm to sip, and let's find the perfect pattern for you.

Can placemats overlap it?

The simple answer?

Yes!

Placemats and runners can overlap each other, but they shouldn't cover the entire length of your table.

Be mindful there isn't so much overlap that there's no flat, stable surface for your stemware to sit on. We don't want them falling over during Christmas dinner.

Measure your table

When deciding on the correct table runner dimensions for your dining room, measure the width of your table and divide it by three.

For example, if you have square or rectangular tables that are 60" wide, divide 60" by 3, which equals 20.

A runner no wide than 20" leaves enough space on either side without place settings overlapping or interfering with other decorative pieces like flowers or candles.

With a standard placemat size of 12" to 14" by 16" to 18", this sounds pretty good.

But my dining table is 48" wide, divided by 3, which means I'll want a pattern no wider than 16".

For a 36" wide table, the width shrinks to 12".

Remember, this is a guideline.

If your plans don't include setting and eating at the table with the runner in place, then it comes down to what is esthetically pleasing to YOUR eye.

Is there a standard size for a table runner?

Store-bought runners tend to range from about 36" to 108".

That said, the length of yours depends on your table. How far—if at all—do you want it to hang over the edge?

If you prefer it to hang over the edge, there should be at least a 6" overhang on both ends.

They shouldn't be longer than the tablecloth if you're using one. (It'd look a bit odd if it was.)

Is your pattern shorter than your table, AND it'll be used during meals?

Remember to leave enough room to fit placemats and/or place settings and provide a stable surface for your glassware.

Having a hard time visualizing the size?

Simply create a paper stand-in. Grab some parchment or wax paper and create a piece equal to the size of the finished quilt.

Put it in place and stand back. 

Will you use placemats?

Cut paper to that size for an accurate visual, too. 

Why parchment or wax paper?

It's probably already in your kitchen, faster than taping a bunch of 8-1/2" x 11" papers together, and once you decide, the paper can be recycled for use in your kitchen.

It won't go to waste.

Christmas Table Runner Patterns

Armed with the above information and the measurements of your own table, you're now ready to check out all the patterns for your Christmas celebrations.

These patterns are organized in alphabetical order by their titles.