So, I’ve been looking for table linens for a farmhouse table – runners, tablecloths, placemats, napkins.  Our idea is to “take back the dinner time” by subtly elevating the table’s status.  Casual elegance is the desire, as inspired by this picture from an article in Country Living:

Love the crumpled linen runner turned sideways, elegantly littered with simple stoneware plates, and complimented by wildflowers from the field in repurposed bottles.  As usual, a quick search found that these runners were real antiques found up in New England.  Can’t do that…..

But what can we do?…..

Well, other than “make your own” version (buy belgian linen, make the runners, wash and let dry wrinkled), there are some other neat things out there…..

…..such as this lovely short linen runner (good for sideways application, like above) with pintucks and beading.  Affordably available in abundance by comfyheavendeco, through etsy.com…..

…..or for a splash of color, this runner is available from Kainkain, in Jakarta, Indonesia, also through etsy.com.  Also makes a good short runner over the short length of the table…..

But a few hours on etsy.com last night left me dreaming of burlap and grainsack…..

…..such as this one from jennylyons81, through etsy.com, which wants to run longways down the table…..

…..and this one, offered by LittleFlowerLinen through etsy…..

Even cooler is to mix up the rough and ready burlap runner with with the linen napkins…..

I rather fancy this one with the ruffled edge and golden velvet trim, available through Gilchrist & Gilchrist, here in Nashville, to compliment the burlap runner…..

If you want to go dressy with it at Christmastime, consider placing an off white linen tablecloth under the burlap runner…..

But for the summertime, I prefer a super casual approach, like this blue and off white canvas short runner (wants to float in the middle of the table with an arrangement on top) and matching placemats, by CreativeChicsHome, available through etsy.com.

Enjoy those family meals