I have a design crush on burlap these days. With it’s rustic simplicity, it can easily be dressed up or down to create a stunning tablescape. Burlap accents are becoming a lot easier to find in stores, but can also be home- or custom-made.
Style Me Pretty, one of my go-to sites for tablescape inspiration, showcases this DIY burlap runner. Not only do I love its simplicity but I love how by even changing the constrasting stitching, you can customize the runner to complement your design palette.
DIY Burlap Table Runners via Style Me Pretty, photo by Carrie Patterson
Here again you see the impact of homemade burlap runners at this wedding featured on another one of my all-time favorite sites Snippet and Ink.
Burlap-inspired table via Snippet and Ink, photo by Lara and Kate from The Studio Nouveau
Complementary burlap-inspired table via Snippet and Ink, photo by Lara and Kate from The Studio Nouveau
Here, bandanas and burlap conspire to make a cheery, casual table:
Burlap and yellow table via Country Living
I was so excited to recently learn about Northern Virginia-based EAB Designs, who makes the beautiful burlap table linens below; they are SO going on my “wish list”!
Burlap Table Runner with Paris Screen Print Design from EAB Designs
Burlap Jute napkin rings with rhinestones from EAB Designs
I’ve often admired these burlap tablecloths when peeking in the Pottery Barn windows; they could be dressed up with a beautiful overlay or kept as is:
I adore these linen placemats from Simrin, available at Burke Decor or Velocity. A set of four includes a silk-screened pig, hen, cow, and sheep. Placed on a farmhouse or bare wood table, these would look so natural and lovely. And I know passing by the table each day, I couldn’t help but chuckle at them. They are adorable!
Finding the perfect artwork for a new home can be such a challenge. (My husband and I have lived in our home together for four years and there are still some bare walls!) Australian-based company, Castle, has some gorgeous solutions for that dilemma.
I adore these prints — each of which would be perfect gracing a wall of a newlywed’s home.
"Mr & Mrs" hand-screen printed artwork from Castle
"For Ever and Ever" print from Castle
"For Ever and a Day" print from Castle
While you are on the site, be sure to check out Castle’s beautiful collection of bright, cheery bed linens — another perfect item for the newlywed’s nest!
I am loving the look of double placemats these days. They are a nice alternative to runners while still providing a pop of color and texture to a table.
Stores are carrying double placemats more and more these days, but if you don’t see them in stock, you can always take a regular runner and turn it crosswise on the table.
I made double placemats for my Thanksgiving table last week. So easy! Standard runners are 16″ wide, but I made mine 18″ to make sure they covered the width of the charger.
Easy DIY double placemats for my Thanksgiving table
These neutral double placemats from CB2 are fabulous and would work with almost any decor.
Beautiful blooms set into a folded napkin, from Martha Stewart
I am often asked by brides the best way to incorporate the napkin into the place setting at a wedding. My answer is always the same: there are lots of choices and the decision often depends on what else is “going on” with the place setting (e.g. will there be a favor set at each place setting, how many glasses will be on the table, will there be a first course already plated…).
These days there are no hard and fast rules as to where the napkin should go and how it should be folded. But if a bride is at all concerned about etiquette and tradition, it’s worth keeping in mind some long-standing do’s and dont’s when it comes to napkins.
1) Make sure the napkin is properly pressed. Period.
2) Please, whatever you do, DON’T put the napkin in the wine glass. T-A-C-K-Y. And not only that, but as Suzanne Von Drachenfels notes in The Art of the Table, “Because the fabric may leave lint in a wine glass, the stemware fold is not suggested for an elegant meal where a special wine is served.”
3) Consider a pocket fold if you are having a menu at each place setting. It helps make the menu look purposefully placed, like it has a “home.”
4) Traditionally, it was considered an ostentatious act if a hostess placed the napkin to the side of the plate, rather than on top of the plate as that was a sign she was showing off her china. For that reason, many still prefer to set the napkin on top of the plate (again, this works only if your first course is not already plated as guests sit down.)
5) Keep in mind the fabric. There is nothing worse than wiping your mouth against a scratchy napkin — or one that won’t absorb anything. For this reason I always encourage brides to feel the napkins and not just look at them as they select their linens.
6) Make sure extra napkins are on hand — you never know when you are going to need them. They fall to the ground, they are used to clean up a spill, they catch on fire (I wish I were joking)…
7) Don’t place a lot of stuff on top of the napkin as sometimes the items can fall out when guests pick up the napkin — this can be embarrassing and awkward for your guests.
These are just a few of the things to consider when choosing napkins and a napkin fold. Above all, keep your guests in mind and make sure that however the napkins are set that they complement the rest of your beautiful table!
