Of all the arts that adorn our lives with sheer delight, the art of hosting is one that has evolved gracefully; one that involves more of giving. As a host, when you invite someone over, you allow them to enter into your world, and give them a glimpse into what your idea of a delightful evening looks like. They take out the time, not just for a few sips and bites, but for an experience that holds memories worth a lifetime.

An excellent way to be the perfect host is to explore the enticing themes; and there’s plenty out there to experiment with - rustic, bohemian, classic, minimal, contemporary, abstract, floral, all-things-DIY and the list goes on. No matter the theme, the important thing is that it has to reflect in every detail, right from the room décor to the dinnerware / serveware to the table setting.

One of the newest and the nicest additions that has taken a well-deserved spot on the table is a table runner. Pairing dining table mats with runners is now a popular phenomenon. Table runners and placemats perfectly complement each other if chosen wisely. Make sure that either the color shade or the pattern matches in one way or another.  

So, what is a table runner? Table runners are narrow lengths of cloth that are usually placed at the centre of the table along its length. Today, they don't just serve the purpose of keeping you from spilling food over the table. They are also used as a decorative piece that goes well with the rest of the theme. Table Runners come to the rescue every single time you need to add a certain charm to your setting - be it a buffet setting or a sit-down formal dinner setting.

Dining table runners are important elements that make the bigger picture look much better, as long as they fit right into the theme. Different occasions call for different table runners - it all significantly depends on the theme you want to follow. Here are some dining table runner ideas-

Top 3 Table Runner Ideas

Pick the table runner that is the same length as your table cloth, a little longer than the length of your table. Predominantly, table runners are placed lengthwise and at the centre of the table. They are also placed in a way that both ends (about 7-12 inches) of the table runner are left hanging over the edges, as far down as a tablecloth. It should also cover at least one third of the table’s surface.  You can stick to a simple style by choosing a light-colored table runner in accordance with the theme. The centerpieces can then be arranged on top along the centre. You can then move on to place the table mats, napkins, and dinnerware to complete the table setting.

If you are a little bit of a risk-taker and love taking the out-of-the-box road, this idea is a must-try. Placing table runners width-wise with the ends dangling down the edges makes for an informal table setting. However, you have to make sure to use a table runner that is shorter in length so it does not look out of place, but rather in sync with the theme. If you use multiple table runners across the table, you can skip the placemats and leverage the power of larger chargers instead. If your table is long in length, then these short table runners placed width-wise can look visually stunning.

If you have an impressive table and do not want to hide its intricate details under covers, pick shorter table runners. Essentially, table runners should be longer in length, slightly longer than the length of your table. But shorter table runners are the suitable choice for causal settings. They can perfectly serve the purpose of a table runner and add a tinge of grace, while also allowing your table to take the centre stage.

Table Runners By Ikai Asai

Linen pieces by Ikai Asai are born out of that Tangaliya weaving craft by skilled artists in Gujarat. It is an extra weft weaving technique much like embroidery where the pattern is inlaid in the weft and warp by hand. The bead - like inlay bejewel the final fabric. It was made in intricate patterns with wool for the skirts of women from pastoral communities.

For our Deva, the design and techniques of both Suf and Tangaliya have been given a fresh treatment to take it into the lives of a more global community. If you have been looking for elegant Table runners in India, Ikai Asai is where you will find them.

In the initial days, only the Dangasia community had inherited the knowledge and skills required for the Tangaliya weave. Later various communities from Gujarat and Rajasthan such as Gurjara, Maheshwari’s and Marwadas picked up this craft, each adding their own twist to it. Inspired by intricate patterns on woollen skirts of women from pastoral communities in Kutch, our weavers give the fabric a contemporary look that appeals to our global community.

The essence of Tangaliya weaving is the compositions created by colourful dots, which are simultaneously stitched on both sides of the fabric. Tangaliya weave is an extra weft weaving technique, very similar to embroidery, but more painstaking where the pattern is inlaid in the weft and warp by hand. This intricate process of twisting the weft while weaving creates beautiful geometric patterns and forms, resulting in a bead-like inlay that bejewels the final fabric.

DO:

-Wash each piece of fabric separately.

-Make sure to use a laundry bag while washing.

-Make sure to iron the fabric inside out.

DON'T:

-Tumble dry the fabric in the washing machine.

-Use any form of bleach or a harsh fabric cleaner.

When it comes to eye-pleasing table settings or dining décor, a table runner goes a long way! If you love indulging in the art of hosting, our table runners are designed to fit into your dining themes. Explore our collection and place your order online.