Nothing can create a uniquely Japanese setting like a couple of bamboo table runners. While you can certainly use them on the table or the buffet at any time, it is at meal times that a bamboo table runner can really create a unique zen setting for your table.
First bamboo is a natural product, which today is considered to be better as it does not harm the environment, and the bamboo collected to make table decorations or even furniture grows back very rapidly. It is extremely durable, in fact bamboo is even stronger than wood, and if you use bamboo table runners they will be easy to care for.
This type of table runner may not have the large variety that Damask table runners will offer in terms of colors, nor will they be a suitable table setting for an elegant dinner, but you will find some in a few colors non the less. The colors available for bamboo are more towards natural tones to keep with the spirit of using a natural product to begin with. They are usually finished around the edges with a cotton braid or twill tape, sometimes cheap table runners are left without any edge binding. While most people prefer a neutral color for this type of decor you can also find bamboo table runners in a stripe pattern that is reminiscent of spring.
One great advantage of bamboo runners is that they don’t really have a season. You can use them out on the patio, for a summer meal, bringing nature to a natural scene, or you can use them in the fall with a few touches of fall colors, you can even use them as holiday table runners by setting some candles, holly or other wintery decor. They are probably the most versatile of all table runners.
The Tag company sells twigs table runners. They are similar to bamboo runners in that they are natural and both come from plants. The twig runners are even more rustic than bamboo, and their use would be similar, however I would think that a twig might break more easily than the very durable bamboo.
Tag also sells a very nice 100% cotton table runner with the look of bamboo.
Another company that has ingeniously used the idea of bamboo is Chilewich®. They have created a modern would be bamboo that is elegant, easy care and beautiful but is not natural. If is made of vinyl and while they call it bamboo it really has no claim to the tree. These table runners however come in several colors and are truly elegant. I encourage you to look at them if you want a table runner people will admire. Definitely on the higher end of the price scale for table runners.
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