DIY Dollar Tree Doily Table Runner (Easy + Affordable Tutorial)

Looking to upgrade your tablescape without spending a ton? Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, bridal shower, baby shower—or even planning your wedding—this DIY doily table runner delivers major cottagecore vibes on a seriously tiny budget.

In fact, you can make one for under $2 using supplies from the Dollar Tree. Yes, really.

As someone who loves hosting and decorating on a dime, this is one of my favorite affordable party tricks, and today I’m showing you exactly how to make it—plus two different styling variations to suit your vibe.

✂️ DIY Doily Table Runner Supplies:

• 1 pack of white paper doilies from the Dollar Tree (this was enough to cover my 78″ dining table and I had leftovers!)
  
• Optional: 1 roll of kraft paper (also from Dollar Tree)
  
• Scissors
  
• Double-sided tape or glue stick
  
• Optional: small bud vases and tealight candles for styling
  

Option 1: Classic Cottagecore Doily Table Runner

This version is light, bright, and elegant—perfect for spring bridal showers, tea-themed parties, or even backyard weddings.

How to make it:

1. Separate your doilies by size. They’re a little delicate, so peel them apart gently and sort into piles by size.
   
2. Lay the largest doilies spaced evenly down the center of your table (roughly one foot apart).
   
3. Add your next-largest size in between to begin layering.
   
4. Add the smallest size doilies to fill in any remaining gaps and create extra detail
   
5. Secure everything with double-sided tape or a dab of glue to keep things in place where your doilies overlap
   

Styling Tips:

Style your Dollar Tree Doily table runner with: 

• Small votives, bud vases, or dainty taper candles for a timeless, romantic look. 
• Pair with place settings that match your desired color scheme.

For my table, I actually used cut wine bottles as my votive candle holders (I love a good upcycle!). 👉 Want to learn how to make these? Check out my DIY wine bottle candle tutorial.

Option 2: Rustic DIY Doily Table Runner with Kraft Paper

Hosting something more laid-back or farmhouse-style? This version adds a rustic edge that’s great for fall bridal showers, boho birthday parties, or even a 4th of July celebration!

Here’s how to do it:

1. Unroll your kraft paper to the length of your table.
   
2. Fold it in half lengthwise, then cut down the seam to make it runner-width.
   
3. Follow the same doily layering instructions as above, placing them on top of the kraft paper strip.
   
4. Tape or glue the doilies down to the paper to keep them in place.

Styling Tips:

Style your rustic doily table runner with: 

• Wildflowers, mason jars, mini terracotta pots, or thrifted teacups filled with blooms.
• And of course, pair with place settings that match your desired color scheme – though I do recommend going with either rich earthy colors, or classic neutrals to complement the rustic vibe!

Using Your DIY Dollar Tree Doily Table Runner 🪄

This budget-friendly DIY Dollar Tree doily runner works for so many occasions! Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:

• 🍽️ Dinner Parties: Lay this down your dining table for an instant upgrade.
  
• 💍 Bridal or Baby Showers: Make them in bulk and add florals and candles for soft, elegant charm.
  
• 🌻 Wedding Tablescapes: Affordable enough to create multiples for all of your reception tables!
  
• 🎂 Birthday Parties: Add themed colors or sprinkle confetti to match your celebration.
  

Grab my Printable Party Planning Checklist! 💌

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