So I plan on making my DMIL a table runner and matching placemats for Christmas. I'm running into problems thought figuring out what length it should be. I thought maybe some of you could help me out.

Her table is 53'' long. Now, am I supposed to make the table runner short enough that two placemats can sit at either end of the length of the table? Because if so...and if the average placemat is 12'', then I would only have a 29'' table runner at best! That just sounds really short to me, and I'm afraid it will look funny. Am I figuring something wrong or is this really the approximate size I should make my runner?

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!!

I think I would make the table runner long enough to slightly hang over the edge at each end. The people sitting would not have a placement.

I agree!

Rachel

Either way works and will be just your choice.

Depends, I only use a table runner to display stuff on my table, and placemats when we eat. You could go either way.
If they also use a tablecloth, this might also be a consideration.
I use a short tablerunner on my coffee table, so any length is useful.

Instead of a table runner, why not make a table topper-square or octagonal for the center of the table. Then you can do the 4 placemats if that's what you think she'd like.