BETTY62

Either one would be a great gift, however, I love the suggestion of the reversible runner.

nonda

Thanks everyone~I think I may try for a winter/spring reversible........

Elisabrat

I host and run the table runner swaps here on the board. I personally think something in Christmas fabric should be delivered well before Christmas as a gift. If its a Christmas gift why not use winter fabric? the beautiful blues/whites/silver snow fabrics? absolutely make the back a reversible could use in another time frame.. just bind it in coordinating colors to match both sides. Say if you use blue/white then do the back in hearts and roses for valentines day you could bind it in white so it is easily flipped. Those are the runners that make everyone happiest I think a dual usage item.. keep in mind the persons home colors when making them and they will get lots of love for a very long time. (ie if they have rust and green don't make a blue and pink runner)..

AngeliaNR

Reversable would be great, but Christmas comes every year--at the beginning of the next holiday season, the gift would feel new again.

RedGarnet222

I also use tartan's idea when I make seasonal table runners too. If it is a winter themed on one side I make it either fall or another season on another. Or it could be Christmas on one side and winter on the other to extend the use time.

But, if you want it to be used year round, make it with something that fits the colors and theme of their dining room.

The year before last I made runners for all of my sister's in laws and my two sisters. They were Very well received. (They fit the color scheme of their homes.)

This year I am making purses. I hope they all like them as much as the runners.

CaroleLee

When I give something made with Christmas fabric I give it at Thanksgiving.

sparkys_mom

Check out the blog at Salt Water Quilts. She does this and I think she might have a tutorial, as well.

judi wess

I wouldn't worry about a Christmas themed piece being too late if opened Christmas morning. It can be used that day and will surely be used next year, it won't be thrown away like wrapping paper. In my house Christmas is celebrated till Jan. 6 also.

twinkie

If you make it in CHRISTmas fabric, I would definitely give it to them about two weeks before letting them know that you wanted to make sure they would get a chance to use it.

farmquilter

Tartan wins again on her suggestion, makes it very useful for a long time.