Starry Tabletop Runner

Martha Stewart Living, July 2008

Add pizzazz to your Fourth of July party with starry tabletop runners made from red and white paper. The motif can be produced by tracing a four-star template onto accordion-folded paper and cutting multiples. Use a blue tablecloth as a base for the runners, and then cover them with organdy. Matching napkin ties can double as place cards and complete the theme.

How-Tos
Make Runners
1. Download large four-star template, and print onto card stock. Using a craft knife, cut out template.

2. Cut a sheet of heavy red paper to 7 1/4 by 29 inches. With a pencil, mark 1 long side at 7 1/4-inch intervals. Using a bone folder, accordion-fold paper at marked intervals.

3. Place template on top of paper, letting points of stars hang just over folds; trace. Cut around template and through layers, leaving stars attached where points touch and at folds. Repeat with more red paper. Unfold; connect cutouts with tape at back. Repeat process using heavy white paper.

4. Secure runners to tablecloth with double-sided tape, and top with organdy.

Make Napkin Ties
Follow step 1, above, but download small star template. Trace onto heavy red and white paper; cut out 1 red star and 1 white star for each guest. Write guest's name on white star, and pierce tops of both; thread stars onto red string.

Reviews (7)

  • SimplySusie
    2 Jul, 2011

    Think Christmas! And shiny paper!

  • barbararogers
    22 Jun, 2008

    I use a solid color tablecloth with cut out letters, like Happy Birthday, cake, candles,etc. By using a plastic cover, everything is protected and can be used again. You can use anything...leaves, greetings,etc.

  • Anna_Marie
    21 Jun, 2008

    with red and blue stars. Thanks!

  • Anna_Marie
    21 Jun, 2008

    I like it! Could easily be changed to white cloth

  • beverson
    21 Jun, 2008

    I really like the idea of putting the sheer cloth over the paper cut-outs. This particular table is not my favorite look, but you could put all sorts of different things under the cloth -- others shapes, cut-outs from wrapping or scrapbook paper, pressed flowers, just about anything from the scrapbooking genre...

  • BEARSJUSTB-CLAWS
    21 Jun, 2008

    This is a wonderful idea. Thank you.

  • netdiva790
    21 Jun, 2008

    So glad we got this a little BEFORE the target holiday. Some of the ideas are great but come too late to make up in time. Thanks Martha