Since you can get the fabric on fabulous sales after Christmas, I would go with a fabric panel and a border. If they are scenic panels fine. Otherwise just select beautiful-to-die-for Christmas fabric and use it. Try the mentality of a non-quilter "Why cut up beautiful fabric just to sew it back together again?" Some of the embroidered fabric from the upholestery section of Hancock's would be wonderful. If you birth them with no quilting you can all sorts of fabric not ordinarily used in table runners - velvet, brocades, etc.