Question about Table Runners

[elbenn]

Can you only use a table runner if you don't seat people at the ends of the table? Otherwise, the runner would be in the way for the people sitting at the ends of the table. I love the look of table runners, but I am confused how to make them work practically.

[ellies mom]

If people are sitting at the ends of the table, then the table runner can act like a place mat for those people (so put the neat eaters there).