The festive season is the perfect time to add a personal touch to your Christmas dining table. Whether you’re hosting family or friends, handcrafted table accessories can make all the difference. Why not wow your guests this year by creating table runners, placemats, and napkins?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through making your Christmas table accessories, from selecting fabrics to the final stitch. These projects are easy to follow and require just a few simple materials, many of which you can find at our shop in Crewkerne, including bespoke fabrics, upholstery materials, and crafting accessories.
What You’ll Need:
All the materials below are available in our store, perfect for bringing your Christmas table decor vision to life:
- Christmas-themed fabrics – Choose festive prints or rich, elegant colours like deep reds, greens, or metallics.
- Fabric scissors
- Measuring tape
- Pins
- Sewing machine (or a needle and thread for hand-sewing)
- Fabric chalk
- Iron
- Thread matching your fabric
- Trimmings or embellishments such as tassels, ribbons, or pom-poms for a more festive feel
- How to Make a Christmas Table Runner
A table runner is a great way to add a touch of elegance to your table setting, and it’s very simple to make.
Step 1: Measure Your Table
Start by measuring the length and width of your dining table. Your runner should ideally hang over the edges by 6 to 12 inches on each side. Add this to your total measurement.
Step 2: Cut Your Fabric
Using the fabric you’ve chosen, mark your measurements with fabric chalk. Cut the fabric using fabric scissors. For a professional look, leave a 1-inch seam allowance on all sides.
Step 3: Hem the Edges
To avoid fraying, fold each fabric edge over by ½ inch, then again by another ½ inch. Pin the fold in place and press it with an iron. Sew along the folded edge with your sewing machine or by hand for a neat finish.
Step 4: Add Embellishments
Now is the time to get creative! Add trimmings such as tassels or ribbon along the edges for a more festive touch. These can also be found in our store, perfect for customising your runner.
- How to Make Christmas Placemats
Matching placemats complete the look of your Christmas table setting and are practical for protecting your table from spills.
Step 1: Measure & Cut Fabric
For standard placemats, the size is typically around 12 x 18 inches. Mark and cut the fabric into rectangles, leaving an additional 1-inch seam allowance on all sides.
Step 2: Layering for Thickness (Optional)
If you want your placemats to be thicker, cut two pieces of fabric per placemat and layer them together before hemming. Alternatively, you could use batting between the layers for extra cushion.
Step 3: Hem or Bind the Edges
Fold over each edge twice as you did with the table runner, and iron the folds in place. Sew along the edges. You can also use fabric binding (available in-store) for a different finish.
Step 4: Customise Your Design
Consider adding some personal touches to the placemats. You could sew on festive appliqué, embroider your family initials, or stitch a decorative border.
- How to Make Christmas Napkins
Nothing completes a Christmas table like coordinating napkins. Making your own adds a truly personal and luxurious touch to your dining experience.
Step 1: Cut Your Fabric
Decide on the size of your napkins. A typical size is 16 x 16 inches, but you can go larger if you prefer. Cut squares of fabric, ensuring to leave a 1-inch seam allowance.
Step 2: Hem the Napkins
To create crisp, professional-looking edges, fold each edge over by ¼ inch, then again by ½ inch. Iron the folds, pin in place, and sew along the edge.
Step 3: Finishing Touches
To add a festive flair, consider using metallic thread for stitching or adding a small decorative trim along the edge. You could also personalise your napkins with simple embroidery like snowflakes or your guests’ initials.
Final Touches and Display
Now that you have your handmade table runner, placemats, and napkins, it’s time to set the table. Coordinate the colours and themes of your accessories for a polished look. You can pair them with candles, Christmas centrepieces, and beautiful dinnerware to complete the setting.
At Curtains & Fabrics, we stock everything you need to make your own Christmas table accessories, from a wide variety of fabrics to trimmings and other crafting essentials. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just getting started, our team is here to help with advice on materials and techniques. Visit us in-store to find the perfect fabric for your holiday projects!
By following this guide, you’ll have a beautiful set of handmade Christmas table accessories that will not only elevate your festive table setting but also impress guests with your creative touch.
Contact us today at…
01460 75072
7 East Street, Crewkerne, TA18 7AB