Make a Rustic Twig Table Runner

Bring an organic touch to your Thanksgiving table by creating a beautiful runner made of twigs. Kids will love scavenging for twigs in the yard, and assembly is easy enough that they can help craft it, too.

Create A Twig Table Runner

This rustic table runner for your Thanksgiving table is a great project that can involve the kids. As a bonus, it also gets them outside. Send the kids off on a mission to hunt down branches with straight sections that can be attached together using a glue gun and a neutral-colored ribbon. Alternatively, you can purchase faux branches and remove the leaves for this nature-inspired table runner for your dinner table. Incorporate tree leaves to add to the organic feel of the runner.

Photo by: Camille Styles

Camille Styles

Related To:

Materials Needed:

real or faux straight branches, with leaves removed
wire or small brush cutters
neutral-color cotton fabric trim or ribbon

ruler
scissors
hot glue gun

Cut Branches and Ribbon

Measure and cut branches into 12-inch pieces (Image 1). Ribbon will form the base of the runner; measure your table and decide how long of a runner you need then cut two pieces of ribbon to desired length (Image 2). Tip: Lay ribbon and twigs on the floor or an extra-long tabletop for a flat work surface.

To start your rustic twig table runner, measure and cut branches into 12-inch pieces.

Ribbon will form the base of the runner; measure your table and decide how long of a runner you need then cut two pieces of ribbon to desired length.

Measuring and Trimming Twigs

To start your rustic twig table runner, measure and cut branches into 12-inch pieces.

Ribbon and Scissors

Ribbon will form the base of the runner; measure your table and decide how long of a runner you need then cut two pieces of ribbon to desired length.

Attach Twigs to Ribbon

Lay twigs perpendicular across ribbons so ends are touching each ribbon (Image 1). One at a time, attach twigs to ribbons until the runner's desired length is reached. Allow natural variation in spacing for an organic look. Clean by picking away any hot glue residue. Place runner in the middle of your table, and be prepared for compliments (Image 2). Tip: To store your finished runner, just roll it up and place in a cool, dry place so you can reuse it year after year.

Set the scene by scattering gilded natural elements down the length of the runner. Collect different leaves, pinecones, berries or whatever else nature is offering, and give each a light coat of gold spray paint for a touch of glitz.

Twigs on Ribbon and Hot Glue Gun

Lay twigs perpendicular across ribbons so ends are touching each ribbon. One at a time, use hot glue gun to attach twigs to ribbon until the desired length is reached. Allow natural variation in spacing for an organic look.

Golden Touches on Thanksgiving Dinner Table

Set the scene by scattering gilded natural elements down the length of the runner. Collect different leaves, pinecones, berries or whatever else nature is offering, and give each a light coat of gold spray paint for a touch of glitz.