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The wedding table runner has traditionally been a must-have décor item for dressing up a table, whether it's used to cover the midsection of a bare table or added atop a tablecloth to create a rich tableau. In earlier centuries, layering such items was reserved for the wealthy as a sumptuous way to display one's taste. (Downton Abbey, anyone?) As a new bride, you'll enjoy using runners to decorate your table, along with your new serveware, china and glassware. For a wedding, they give an additional pop to the overall wedding design. Table runners may reflect the bride's color scheme to create a coordinated color palette, or in a neutral color, wedding table runners can provide the perfect backdrop for flowers and table settings.

Table runners can help lend a summery vibe to a wedding, as well. A burlap runner is perfect for a rustic wedding, while a floral print runner is divine for a garden wedding, and a shiny table runner ups the ante for a black-tie affair. Whatever your style, we've collected the best table runners from stores such as Etsy, Nordstrom, Macy's and more.