How To: Make a Moss Table Runner

Some of the next few posts will be segments of Brenna and Colby’s wedding.  In this segment I will describe how I made the moss runners that were placed in the center of the tables during the bridesmaids’ luncheon I hosted.

 

I first decided to make a moss table runner for my sister-in-law’s bridesmaids’ luncheon when I came across one on the Southern Living website.  I planned to strictly follow SL’s instructions but quickly found that the instructions didn’t quite meet the dimensions I needed.  Since I was hosting Brenna’s luncheon I knew I needed to make two runners.  One for the “girl’s” table and one for the “mom’s” table.  I also wanted to make sure to measure the runners on our dining room table since that is where the runners will be used in the future.  I think the runners will make great additions to our Easter table and decorations.  Hopefully they will store well.  According to SL all I have to do to store them is to roll them loosely and place them inside of a large garbage bag.   I have already transported them this way to and from Judd’s hometown for the party.  They seemed to have fared well. 

Ok.  Here is what I did to make the moss runners.  First you will need to gather your materials.  Next, measure your own table to determine your length.  Also, I took out one of the plates I knew I was going to use for the luncheon to place on top of the runner to measure the width.  I wanted the runner to stick out a little underneath the plate.

Materials for one moss table runner:

• felt-backed plastic/vinyl tablecloth
• 3 bags chartreuse-colored reindeer moss
• 9 bags of decorative sheet moss
• 1 small bag of glue sticks
• 1 high-heat hot glue gun
• scissors

I borrowed a vinyl tablecloth from my mother.  The one she had was a cream-colored oval shaped cloth.  I measured my width and cut it accordingly.  It was roughly 13 inches wide and 7 1/2 feet long.  You’ll want to make sure it hangs down each end of the table about 6 inches.  I folded the tablecloth into fourths and cut it into strips.  (Remember I was making two).  If you’re just making one runner you could fold and cut it in half and then cut that down the middle.

Next, I measured the length I needed and hot glued the two pieces joining two ends together.  This will make one long runner.

Once the ends were joined in the middle, I folded the rounded exposed ends under and hot glued them down to make two straight edges.  If you started with rectangle or square cloth this will be an unnecessary step.  I was just working with what I had. Free from mom’s pantry is the best price you know.  :)

Then I used an extra glue stick (because that is what I had.  An end of a pencil or chop stick would also work) to press down the reindeer moss as I hot glued it along the edges piece by piece.  Using a tool is a preventative measure to keep you from really burning your finger.   I learned the hard way that my high-heat glue gun gets REALLY hot. Duh.  Be careful.  Place the reindeer moss on each side until well covered.  I found all of my moss at Hobby Lobby.  It was on sale for half price. 

 

 

Once the edges are lined with reindeer moss, fill in the middle with the sheet moss.  It’s kind of like working a puzzle.  Place the pieces down ahead of time to see where they fit best before gluing.  Work your way down the length of the runner.

Fill in any gaps with remaining moss.

When you are finished it will look like this.

And, when you are ready to host your party your table might look something like the picture below.  I was really pleased with my tablescape for the luncheon.  I used galvanized tin containers and watering cans to hold flowers.  I used an old bolt of tulle left over from our wedding to tie on the backs of the chairs.  I tucked in a fern frond to the chair covers in keeping with the natural theme.  The oak leaf hydrangea came from my mother’s yard in Hoover, AL.  She was so sweet to cut it for me and transport it from B’ham to Brewton.  Plus, she arranged it for me.  You sure can’t beat that.  She was a huge help.  (Note the baby bridesmaid cake.  I’ll do a Part II post for those soon).

For the table setting I used a white round tablecloth as the base layer.  The luncheon was held at the same place where the reception was taking place the following day.  It was an old hardware store that has been renovated—The Hourglass in Brewton, AL.  The building is amazing!!!! 

The white tablecloths were to be used at the reception and were rented.  I topped the white cloth with a large remnant piece of burlap.  Next, I layered on the moss runner, mason jars with tea lights, and flowers.  I used my everyday china—Mikasa’s Italian Countryside.  I borrowed my mother-in-law’s glasses.  I tried to borrow what I could because I was having to transport all of my things down there and was so fearful something might break.  It all worked out.  I ended up using my MIL’s flatware too.  I don’t have any pictures of the final table setting just yet.  They are on Brenna’s camera.  I’ll post more when they get back from their honeymoon.

I really enjoyed making the runners.  I think they really made the tables look finished.  I hope you have fun making them too.