Reversible Table Runner

This Reversible Table Runner post and its shop have been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older. #TurkeyDayTips #CollectiveBias

This Reversible Table Runner is a great piece to use when you host multiple holiday gatherings, but don't want to break the bank on decor. 

I created this reversible table runner for my buffet. We will be hosting multiple holiday dinners this year, and I don't want to blow the budget on a ton of decor for each holiday. As soon as turkey day is over, I'll flip this over and haul out the holly. This is a simple-sew table runner that is great for all levels of sewists.  

For Thanksgiving, this reversible table runner will be one of the layers of texture in my pie bar. It also protects my beloved 100+ year old buffet from spills, hot food marks, and other holiday meal mishaps. If you've never hosted a holiday before, you'll find dual purpose things like this to be a lifesaver (it's nice to not have to store two separate pieces, too). 

And, y'all, for the love of all that is good and holy, please save your fork. We have pie. 

I do most of my prep work (like sewing a reversible table runner) weeks in advance. That way, when the big meal comes, those things aren't pulling me away from the really important things: the food.

I also try to utilize a few items to make it easier in the kitchen, too. I love to grab a few Marie Callender's Dessert Pies and Loaf Cakes throughout the holiday season. They're just like homemade, simple to prepare, and easy to clean up. Plus, they store well in the freezer.

We also love Butterball Whole Turkeys. They're all natural and pre-brined. This ensures a tender and juicy turkey (without a lot of fuss from the cook!). Each Butterball Whole Turkey comes with cooking instructions and an easy open bag, too. I have utilized the Butterball Talk-Line for support when I have a turkey prep question on the big holiday meal days. They're easy to reach at 1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372) or text 844-877-3456. Their team of experts is waiting to talk turkey with you. And, hey, Butterball is also the number one brand of turkeys in America (with good reason!).

And don't forget a couple of bottles of Woodbridge wines for your celebrations, as well. We are loving the new Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Red Blend. It offers warm, toasty aromas and flavors, like jammy blackberry, vanilla, and baking spices. It goes well with holiday favorites like turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

Now, let's get started on this reversible table runner so you have something to set all of this deliciousness on.

You'll need to grab two fabrics and fusible interfacing. I used a subtle "Gather Together" script fabric for the side I’ll be using in November and a holly print for the side I’ll be using in December. Both of my fabrics have a bit of gold glitter which tied them together nicely. You'll want to prewash, dry, and iron both fabrics prior to getting started.

Your length and width depends on your desired location to use your runner. I wanted a slightly thinner runner for my buffet, but wanted it long enough to go well down the sides of it. My end result is 1' x 9'.

Cut each of your fabrics into the desired dimensions you'd like your runner to be (I added 1 inch to the width for seam allowance, and about two inches to the length...this additional length is for my cheater binding method). I cut my fusible webbing the exact width and length of the finished piece. Follow your package directions on your webbing and iron it to the wrong side of one of your fabrics. Keep in mind, you'll have excess on both the width and length.

Lay your two fabric pieces right-sides-together (again, one will have the fusible webbing attached to it already). You will then use a basic stitch on your sewing machine and sew the two long sides together (do not sew the short sides together). I like to use a zipper foot for this. It allows me to get as close to the webbing as possible, without sewing into it.

You can barely tell because I sewed so close to the webbing, but there is a stitch there on each of the long sides. Go ahead and turn the reversible table runner right side out through one of the un-sewn ends.

Once it is turned out the right way, give it a good press to make sure your seams look nice. 

Here is my little cheater binding method that I mentioned. Fold in the excess fabric (the part without any webbing attached) into the inside of the runner. Press this into place and repeat at the other end.

Make sure your spool and bobbin are ready...I did the cream colored thread for the side I’ll use in November and the red thread for the side I’ll use in December. Since it's reversible, you'll be running two colors of thread through your machine simultaneously.

The above is how you will sew the reversible table runner. You're basically giving it a decorative stitch finish around the entire perimeter (use 1/2" seam allowance). Be sure to catch the fabric that you have folded inward on both ends...this is how I bind without fuss, y'all. Then press it again after the entire thing is sewn. You won't be able to even tell your short ends have been sewn in this quick manner. And the fusible webbing gives it that nice, quilted look.

You can see the simple stitch here. 
It gives the piece a nice, finished look. 

I love the subtlety of the “Gather Together” fabric.

 

But, I think the holly side may be my favorite. 

I love decorating in layers. I placed my reversible table runner on top of a piece of burlap to add even more texture to this area. Then the fun can really begin. 

Pies are always the big finale and the buffet is the perfect spot to house them all. It's nice to end Thanksgiving on a high note with delicious Marie Callender’s just-like-homemade dessert pies.

Serve your friends and family a warm, delicious dessert that’s easy to make so you can give thanks for homemade taste (and not spend the entire day in the kitchen!).

The Marie Callender's loaf cakes are made from scratch with real ingredients and no preservatives or artificial colors. I love to keep a couple of them in the freezer during the holidays. Not only are they great for a dessert bar, but perfect for breakfast with overnight holiday guests.

I also include fresh whipped cream on the pie and dessert bar. Just use your whisk beaters on high and mix together 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Beat until soft peaks form. There is truly nothing better than homemade whipped cream. I set out coffee service on my dessert buffet, too. Guests not only dollop their pie with the whipped cream, but also their coffee, too.

We southerners always have to have pecan pie at holidays. 

Again, when you're at the store grabbing your pies and loaf cakes, be sure to grab a Butterball Whole Turkey and a bottle or two of Woodbridge wines.

Happy Holidays, friends. May your feasts be delicious.
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