• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

November 15, 2012

Ballard Holiday Table Runner Knock-Off

 

Well, I told you yesterday that I was saying Farewell to Fall and hello to Christmas, didn’t I?

I’m nothing if not a woman of my word, so I’m back again today with my first Christmas craft of the season!

I just love me some Ballard Designs. Don’t you?

But, their prices don’t love me back.

So, I have to resort to knocking them off. That always sounds so wrong doesn’t it?

Kinda has a Bonnie and Clyde ring to it. I’m just going to think of it as imitation being the sincerest form of  flattery!

This is my version of the Ballard Designs Hanging Ornament Table Runner.

Theirs ~$79.00

Mine ~ $15.00

 

Here’s what you will need to make this:

1. Drop cloth cut to size of runner you want (don’t wash the drop cloth first!) 

2. Fabric squares or remnants

3. Twine

4. Ribbon in coordinating color

5. Glitter Paint writer in color of your choice 

 

 

Step 1 ~ Using whatever you can find that works, cut out your desired ornament shapes. I was trying to do my best to imitate the Ballard version so I went with round…and used a glass ’cause I really stink at doing shapes freehand.

Be sure to use a really dull pencil over and over again before finally going in search of one that is sharpened! It adds to the whole “tortured crafter” thing.

 

 

Step 2 ~ Once you have your shapes cut out (ok, so I actually don’t totally stink at doing shapes freehand since I did that one on the far right! Not bad huh?) place them on the drop cloth runner and then use No-Sew/craft glue to attach.

 

 

Step 3 ~ Cut twine to desired length (they should all line up at the top) and put a knot at the bottom where it attaches to the fabric ornament. Glue twine in place.

 

 

Step 4 ~ Use the ribbon to cover up the top of the twine pieces and attach with the No-Sew glue or craft glue.

 

Step 5 ~ Finish off the edges of the ornaments with glitter paint

Step 6 ~ Stand back and admire your handiwork and then take it off the table before your children can cover it with crumbs. Oh wait…

 

I couldn’t resist snipping some Rosemary and bringing it inside. It makes the whole house smell so wonderful!

 

 

I gave this little white box some detail courtesy of the Graphics Fairy and it looks so festive filled with Christmas goodness, doesn’t it?

 

 

 

It’s official, my house is making the shift from Fall to Christmas.

Don’t believe my husband if he tells you that I’ve been listening to Christmas music since before Halloween.

It was only instrumental music so that doesn’t count right? But you better believe that Bing, Nat and Perry (Como not the  Platypus) are bellowing out their best Holiday tunes now!

How about you? Is your home starting to make the shift too?

Thanks so much for joining me as I knocked-off kindly imitated Ballard’s today at the Fence,

 

This post is partying here:

Feathered Nest Friday

Vintage Inspiration Friday

Home Sweet Home

Open House Party

Grace at Home

Fall Into Fall

Wow Us Wednesday

Tutorials, Tips and Tidbits

Tabletop Tuesday

Meet Me Monday

Treasure Hunt Thursday

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

 

49 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Crafts, Decorating, DIY, Good Ideas, Holidays Tagged With: Ballard Designs, Christmas craft, Christmas table runner, holiday, knock-off decor, table runner

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Farewell to Fall in My Home
Next Post: Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 90! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Courtenay says

    November 14, 2012 at 9:05 AM

    How cute is that??! Answer: So cute! And simple! And brilliant! I just love the little bit of pattern the fabrics that you chose add too. Well, done!

    Reply
  2. Amanda says

    November 14, 2012 at 9:06 AM

    Love this! I can’t believe their price, your version is wonderful, the brighter fabrics give it a festive pop!

    Reply
  3. Maureen says

    November 14, 2012 at 9:13 AM

    You did such a great job on this that I may have to knock off your knock off!

    Reply
  4. Judy Clark says

    November 14, 2012 at 9:25 AM

    Vanessa – That is really cute and I like the price so much better. Reminds me of the pillows last year from PB I think.

    Judy

    Reply
  5. Kristin @ Simply Klassic Home says

    November 14, 2012 at 9:35 AM

    Your comment about Perry (not the platypus) made me almost choke on my coffee!!!

    Love your runner, it’s so pretty!!

    Reply
  6. Cindy says

    November 14, 2012 at 9:52 AM

    Adorable table runner, just love it!

    Reply
  7. Martina says

    November 14, 2012 at 10:21 AM

    Sooooo cute Vanessa, I love it!! I love the way you filled that pretty tray with greenery and berries too! Can’t wait to start decorating for Christmas!

    Reply
  8. Heather says

    November 14, 2012 at 10:42 AM

    You did a fabulous job on this a Ballard KnockOff. I just shared it on my Facebook page. Can’t wait to see more holiday knockoffs and ideas in the near future. Heather
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Larissa-Hill-Designs/186766618057210?ref=hl

    Reply
    • Vanessa says

      November 15, 2012 at 7:50 AM

      Thank you so much Heather! 🙂
      Vanessa

      Reply
  9. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    November 14, 2012 at 11:26 AM

    Vanessa,
    Oh my goodness…this is SUPER DUPER CUTE!!! Just think how many ways you can do this for more upcoming holidays.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  10. Cynthia says

    November 14, 2012 at 11:59 AM

    Great job! I love this project. I love the fabric pieces you chose.

    Cynthia

    Reply
  11. Rachel (Two Healthy Plates) says

    November 14, 2012 at 12:03 PM

    This is gorgeous!! Looks pretty simple and you can’t be the price – love everything about it! =)

    Reply
  12. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    November 14, 2012 at 12:54 PM

    So super cute — and I’m not just saying that because I’m crazy for drop cloths!

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  13. Kim says

    November 14, 2012 at 1:01 PM

    That is too cute!

    Reply
  14. Vanessa says

    November 14, 2012 at 1:56 PM

    Hi, Vanessa

    This is a lovely table runner, so glad you shared.

    Vanessa

    Reply
  15. Judy says

    November 14, 2012 at 2:02 PM

    That is the cutest table runner ever. I love it. I’m sure you kids must love it too. Great job as always.

    Reply
  16. Shelia says

    November 14, 2012 at 2:12 PM

    Hi Vanessa! Oh, this is so cute! You did a great job of copy catting and the little dangly ornies are just darling! You’re good, honey! 😉
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  17. Cindy says

    November 14, 2012 at 2:40 PM

    I love it! Such a cute Idea and I haven’t even seen the Ballard one but I’m sure yours is MUCH cuter!

    Reply
  18. Gina says

    November 14, 2012 at 3:08 PM

    I love the table runner! You did an excellent job!

    And yes, even though I haven’t pulled out the Christmas decorations, you can bet I’m listening to Christmas music…and have been for some time now!

    Reply
  19. Anne says

    November 14, 2012 at 5:07 PM

    Beautiful table runner! You did an amazing job re-creating it!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  20. Recreate and decorate says

    November 14, 2012 at 5:11 PM

    That is too cute! Yes slowly I am decking the halls! My husband as been deployed and will be home Dec 1 so I want the house to be ready for him! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  21. Nana Diana says

    November 14, 2012 at 6:29 PM

    Vanessa- You did a wonderful job! And you can’t beat the cost. I love all your prrojects- you are so talented. xo Diana

    Reply
  22. Carol says

    November 14, 2012 at 6:56 PM

    That is really cute, Vanessa!

    Reply
  23. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    November 15, 2012 at 1:25 AM

    I LOVE this! I so love Ballard Designs as well – I have two of their catalogs sitting nearby and their pages are earmarked!
    I just posted a Target holiday pillow “knock-off” earlier this eve (I know – that sounds so mean!). 🙂

    Thanks as always for all of your great posts!
    – Claire

    Reply
  24. MariaElena says

    November 15, 2012 at 2:36 AM

    Love, love this runner!!! Vanessa, It is so pretty! I have a thing for runners so I may have to try my hand at making this. Just beautiful! Thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply
  25. Angeliva says

    November 15, 2012 at 4:21 AM

    You did such a great job on this that I may have to knock off your knock off!
    I love your bLog!!!!!

    Reply
  26. Leslie Stewart says

    November 15, 2012 at 7:06 AM

    I love this runner! So cute and thanks for sharing the great tutorial! Have a great day and a Happy Thanksgiving!
    Leslie

    Reply
  27. Robin says

    November 15, 2012 at 7:19 AM

    Thrify lady you have produced yet another keeper! Your table runner is adorable and I just love the fabric you picked out for the ornaments.

    Reply
  28. Debra@CommonGround says

    November 15, 2012 at 10:26 AM

    OK, this is super cute and you did a great job with it. really fun for Christmas!!

    Reply
  29. Sherry says

    November 15, 2012 at 10:39 AM

    Hi Vanessa, The runner is sooo cute that I may have to copy you! Hope you don’t mind. The box filled with rosemary is also wonderful. Thanks for partying at the Open House party and I hope you have a great weekend.

    Reply
  30. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says

    November 15, 2012 at 12:39 PM

    You had me at no sew – and the cuteness factor too!!
    Pining for this and pinning it too!
    Kelly

    Reply
  31. Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says

    November 15, 2012 at 1:19 PM

    This is so gorgeous! I love it. Really nice job 🙂

    Reply
  32. Carlene@Organized Clutter says

    November 15, 2012 at 3:58 PM

    Great knock off runner. The white box and natural vignette is so nice.

    Reply
  33. Paula@SweetPea says

    November 15, 2012 at 4:40 PM

    So cute! I love the fabrics that you used to created the ornaments. Your centerpiece is pretty, too!

    I’ve been busy crafting a pillow that’s similar to your runner. I’m hoping to have it ready to start enjoying just after Thanksgiving.

    Reply
  34. Debbie says

    November 16, 2012 at 6:07 AM

    Hi Vanessa, what a great knockoff! You did such a good job on that, and it’ll be fun to get that out each year, won’t it? And I really love the little white box on top. You’re so talented! Have a great day!

    Debbie

    Reply
  35. Suzan says

    November 16, 2012 at 11:02 PM

    Oh Vanessa this is just gorgeous – what a beautiful job!!!

    Reply
  36. Carol says

    November 19, 2012 at 8:10 PM

    This is so cute, Vanessa! Great job!

    Reply
  37. Sherry says

    November 21, 2012 at 8:42 AM

    That is very cute! Love the fabrics you used! Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for joining me at HSH!
    Sherry

    Reply
  38. Felicia says

    December 2, 2012 at 4:59 AM

    Are you hems around the edges of the drop cloth once you cut to size? If no… once you wash(?) does it fray?
    Thanks!!

    Reply
  39. Felicia says

    December 2, 2012 at 5:00 AM

    … sewing hems…

    Reply
  40. Pamela says

    December 4, 2012 at 9:31 PM

    Vanessa I love this! It turned out great!

    Reply
  41. Liz @ Quirky Vistas says

    December 5, 2012 at 5:21 AM

    I’m loving this! It would go so well with the felt Whoville tree I have on my table! Thanks for the tutorial. I’m going to try and find a way to fit making one of these in along with everything else. It’s so adorable!
    Liz

    Reply
  42. Shannon @Fox Hollow Cottage says

    December 5, 2012 at 2:39 PM

    Vanessa this is super sweet!! I had not seen the original so as far as I’m concerned.. you invented it 🙂

    Reply
  43. Krista @thehappyhousie says

    November 15, 2013 at 11:35 AM

    This is stunning! I love it – thanks for the tutorial. Pinning and I want to make my own!!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Boycotting Black Friday? Have a DIY Christmas Instead says:
    November 23, 2012 at 1:03 AM

    […] 7. Holiday Ornament Table Runner […]

    Reply
  2. Homemade Christmas Decorations {our reindeer + more} - Four Generations One Roof says:
    November 12, 2013 at 3:31 AM

    […] Tabler runner tutorial […]

    Reply
  3. A Handmade Christmas: 10 DIY Christmas gifts you can make from scratch - Unskinny Boppy says:
    November 26, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    […] 7. Holiday Ornament Table Runner […]

    Reply
  4. 13 Cool DIY Christmas Placemats says:
    December 13, 2013 at 11:35 PM

    […] ornaments table runner (via atthepicketfence) […]

    Reply
  5. DIY: Runners for the festive table | For Women says:
    December 17, 2013 at 2:33 PM

    […] DIY and photo credit to: https://www.atthepicketfence.com […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic

    Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic
  • A New Podcast

    A New Podcast
  • Taking Decorating Thoughts Captive

    Taking Decorating Thoughts Captive
  • Kids Need Real Answers

    Kids Need Real Answers

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Making the Case for Heirlooms

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic March 21, 2026
  • A New Podcast March 21, 2026
  • An Autumn Home Tour October 9, 2025
  • How to Adapt Your Traditions as Your Kids Get Older December 13, 2024
  • Christmas Home Tour 2024 December 13, 2024

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

Front door wreath….✔️ The very last Christmas dec Front door wreath….✔️

The very last Christmas decorating to be completed and one of the most important since there’s nothing I love more than welcoming people into our home this season.

I bought the wreath for $15 from a wonderful local vendor, reused my favorite bells and added a velvet bow in the color I’m carrying throughout the house this year.

Do you buy a fresh wreath each year or do you use a faux wreath on your front door? 

#frontdoorwreath #christmaswreath #christmasporch
The first day of December and the first Sunday of The first day of December and the first Sunday of advent. As we enter into a month that can be filled with stress, anxiety, worry and even sadness, let us turn our hearts towards the ONE who came as the ultimate, undeserved gift. Because it’s all about Him. 

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Its that time of year again. I share this recipe e Its that time of year again. I share this recipe every November because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be ma It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be made on repeat for the next month and I’ve figured out the secret to getting the BEST flavor.

Want to know what it is? It’s all about being EXTRA! 

Take the base recipe up a notch by using a full stick of butter, extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and an extra 1/2 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt.

I guarantee you’ll never go back!

You’re welcome. 😉🎄

#chexmix #chexmixupgrade
Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the w Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the week and I’m feeling especially grateful for the twinkling lights around my home which give me so much joy.

The great debate on social media over whether or not Christmas decorations should appear before Thanksgiving is one I just let roll on past me. Because I am so unbelievably thankful for this life, my family, my friends, this country, this home and most of all my Savior. 

Having my home all ready to welcome the next sacred season doesn’t take away one iota from my ability to express gratitude on the official day set aside each year where we do that collectively.

And when the last slice of turkey has been eaten and all of the leftovers put away, I’ll be over here ready to be fully present in the month of December and soak up every bit of it! 🦃🎄
IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures “ IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures

“My children have grown up seeing antique books on a coffee table, vintage toys in their bedrooms and even pieces of furniture that were all passed down from one generation to the next. But as my nest gets closer and closer to being empty, I’m keenly aware of the fact that many of these cherished items might not be as welcome in the homes of future generations.”

*Read the rest over at @cleartruthmedia*
All of my CTM articles are saved in my highlights
Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked it better when I just talked about decorating and didn’t mention anything else. This person preferred me to keep any opinions or convictions to myself and just focus only on content about home decor, crafts and recipes. Aside from the fact that I’m always astonished that people feel so free to say things like that, I do agree that it would be a lot easier and more palatable if I didn’t talk about things like a Biblical Worldview, apologetics and the nature of reality itself. For one thing, Instagram wouldn’t throttle my account with its algorithms that are skewed to diminish voices like mine. It would be much easier to be so tethered to this app that I change everything I post to fit into its preferred framework. I would be asked to be part of influencer groups and activities like I was years ago. But I’m not that person anymore. Yes, the core of this community will always be an emphasis on homemaking which will include decorating and recipes but I can’t separate that from the core of who I am as a follower of Jesus Christ.

It would be so much easier for me to just show you the latest Amazon products I’ve bought and tell you to “comment” to get the links. But I’m not called to take the easy path. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”

I truly believe that so many have been lulled into thinking that the narrow gate wasn’t really all that narrow. But, it’s never been more obvious that it really is. And every day I seek to stay on that very narrow way.  More than ever before, I believe that our world needs to know that there is objective truth and a solid foundation to stand upon as we navigate our lives. My role as a homemaker is predicated on that foundation and everything else flows out of it. Talking about these things isn’t going to get me lots of views here. 

But I live for an audience of ONE.
The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was in 1998. I was a new bride and eager to impress them. It did not go well. Let’s just say there was a bit of a garbage disposal mishap. 

It’s been over 25 years since then and I’ve learned so much about what really matters when it comes to hosting and caring for my family well during the holiday season. 

The peace we long for in our home begins with our hearts. If you want your home to feel more peaceful during the upcoming holiday season, I have five things to consider that will make that not only possible but predictable.

✨ Read the full article over at @club31women ✨

#club31women #wearethehomemakers
Here, in my little corner of social media, you won Here, in my little corner of social media, you won’t find a lot of unboxing of brand new items for Christmas. 

What I’m unboxing are the decorations in the attic that  I’ve had for years and figuring out how to give them a fresh look. I added new lights to an old pre-lit tree that no longer worked because I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. I’m putting out a different set of mugs at the hot cocoa station and the advent candles are arranged with greenery from outside.

As our feeds are filled with so.much.stuff, I want to offer you a reprieve. A place where you will find less emphasis on what’s happening in our homes and more on what’s happening in our hearts.

More than ever before, I can see just how much people are needing the hope found in Christ and that will always be the focus here. 

So, while you may not see me unpacking a massive, new tree or telling you to “comment for the link”, what you will see is encouragement to turn our hearts to what matters the most and let that reflect in every corner of our homes this season and all year long. 🌲

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #homemakerschristmas #club31women
Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2026 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2026 At The Picket Fence