Simple Summer Table Runner with Ink & Butcher Paper

Make a simple summer table runner with ink and butcher paper. The inspiration for this summer table started with the garden flowers. We had some chamomile, pink and white cosmos, and a few Billy Balls. I love how one thing (like the flowers) can inspire the rest. I used wooden plates, brown plates, seagrass glassware, and amber linen napkins.

A short video showing how quick and simple it is to create a hand-drawn table runner.

The table runner is so simple and has become my go-to for creating a fun table. This time, I only used yellow ink. I think choosing one color makes it more fun and graphic. Waves in yellow are a bit unexpected, but if you’ve ever watched the sun dip over Catalina, yellow waves make perfect sense.

Supplies needed to make a hand-drawn table runner

• Butcher paper – I use this kind of butcher paper to ensure that it doesn’t bleed through to the table or tablecloth underneath. If you use a thinner type of paper, just be sure to check or double the paper.
• Drawing ink
• Paintbrushes – I prefer a flat-tip brush for creating wide lines in my simple designs.

The colors have a total 70s vibe. I used pretty amber linen napkins from Terrain. The first time I used them was at Thanksgiving, when I created an earthy table with muted browns and golds. Now, it’s July, and I am using them mixed with pink and white for a 1970s vibe.

I tied them with white natural jute twine and tucked in a sprig of rosemary from the herb garden. What I love about using rosemary is that it won’t wilt if I want to set the table hours before guests arrive.

Garden flowers and tomato vines.

The garden flowers are in jars tucked into mini Uashmama bags. I used some tomato vine cuttings, chamomile, pink and white cosmos, and Billy Balls. Montauk daisies would be perfect with this mix, too!

The paper shades are also from Uashmama and are meant to be placed on top of a wine glass. Since I prefer to use Duralex Picardie tumblers for wine, I no longer even own a wine glass with a stem. So I chose tall drink glasses to use with the paper shades and tea lights.

The seagrass glassware is from Serena & Lily. It’s currently on sale. I have the pitcher, tall glasses and this small vase that I use for a few garden flowers like hydrangeas.

Summer entertaining is my favorite. It’s simple, outdoors under the hydrangea tree, and people linger for hours. We use Skeem Lavender Citronella Body Spray to defend against biting insects. We also use Citronella Garden Sticks in planters and the garden beds. They smell heavenly, and they work to keep the bugs away!

A vintage porcelain dish we picked up on our recent buying trip in France for our shop.

I hope this post inspires you to make a hand-drawn table runner this summer! I promise your guests will love it! Or, consider asking a guest to make the table runner while you prepare the food. Kids would also love doing this.