Table Runner with Doilies

This was our first Thanksgiving in our own home. It was wonderful not to have to travel, and we enjoyed having some family over.Also, if the mashed potatoes in the picture look purple, it is because they are.

Since my grandmother was coming, I had the idea to use the doilies from her mother, grandmother and mother in law to decorate the table. I made a burlap table runner to show them off. I am thrilled with how it turned out.

The burlap came from the chaise lounge I bought at a garage sale. I removed the burlap fabric immediately because it was hideous, but I saved it because I thought that it might be useful one day.

Of course, once I thought of a use for it, I could not find it. After I searched all of the bins in the basement, Douglas finally found it for me…in a bin…in the basement. The bin was labeled “burlap and other fabric.” I think that I might be losing my mind sometimes. I folded it and tested it on the table.

Next I measured and Crème helped me cut the piece.

Then I sewed it. A hem down each side, easy as pie.

Paired with a white tablecloth it looks great.

I left the frayed edges on the ends.

Originally I thought that I would tack the doilies on the runner with a couple of stitches. I figured that I wanted to be able to remove them easily so that I could wash the runner without ruining the doilies.

However, when I put them down, they did not slide around. I decided that I would forego the stitches. Douglas also pointed out that if they were tacked down they could get snagged and ruined more easily.

My grandmother was thrilled to see the doilies in use. It was even more special because we are now using my great grandparent’s dining room table as well.

Here is the set table. From the pictures I see around the internet, I believe that I am the only blogger in the world that does not see the use of chargers and centerpieces. I keep the place settings simple and the food in the middle. Unfortunately, I did not notice until it was too late that two people had removed a glass from the table before I took this picture.

I hope that everyone had a day to be appreciated yesterday. I am thankful for so much in my life, and I would like to thank all of my readers as well. Most of all, I am glad that my mom, grandma and brother could be with us; I love them so much.

Happy Homemaking!

P.S. I am sharing this with Wow Us Wednesday, Show and Tell Friday, Show Off Friday and Feathered Nest Friday.