We just purchased a really nice dinner table set and it is always covered with a vinyl tablecloth because I have kids and I don't want it to get ruined. Well I am having some people over and don't want the beauty of it to be hidden. Since the kids will be asleep by then I would like it to be uncovered, the only thing is that I am serving cocktails and appetizers and don't want the table to get ruined from heat and stains. What affordable options do I have besides placemats, since it is not a sit down dinner? A runner? Potholders (i don't know what they are called but they protect the table from hot dishes)?
2007-01-30 02:45:00 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
Why are people getting mad at me? (like Edward W - who is actually telling me I shouldn't have ahd kids!) I'm just asking a question, geez!
2007-01-30 04:59:50 · update #1
I can completely relate to your wanting to protect your new table. We got a new dining table a year ago, and I'm only beginning to relax about using it now. It's very possible that the finish is water and alcohol-proof. But it's like a new car; you hate to see the first tiny scratch.
How about using more than one runner? 2 runners for 4 people, 3 runners for 6 people. If you and I were directly opposite each other, our settings would be on the same runner. Or if it's a long table, one along each side.
Some guests get very worried that they might hurt your furniture, so if you provide the coasters, placemats, whatever, they'll be more comfortable.
If you want affordable, a fresh clean potholder or small wooden cutting board can serve as a trivet. I sometimes use one of those silicone squares, but our style is pretty contemporary.
2007-01-30 04:29:53 · answer #1 · answered by MailorderMaven 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would like to keep the table covered when you have the kids up...you would like to keep the table covered when you have company..why do you own this table if the actual beauty of the table is to be covered. Why do you have furniture that is not more practical for your needs? Having company and kids eat at your table and enjoy the meal that you made is one of the best things ever. Enjoy the time with family and friends...and don't worry so much about the table...it's going to get scratches on it eventually. And if you are that worried about the table..keep the vinyl on.Unless you have the need to show off something new that you bought, then by all means....get pot holders and put them down before you put the plates on. Good Luck!!!!
2007-01-30 04:24:34 · answer #2 · answered by skipper 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You could call up a glass shop and get an estimate for glass to
cover it. Like the glass tops some people have on their desks.
Measure the table before you call, tell them what it's for, and ask what they recommend. Price will depend on the size of the table and thickness of the glass.
Glass will last forever unless you do what my old boss did and drop a hammer on it. And it will let the beauty of your table shine through while protecting it.
If the glass shop's too pricey, you might also consider buying one or more of the glass table tops meant for a small table; the local discount store has round ones for under $10 here and I think the diameter is two feet.
2007-01-31 06:29:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, don't put plastic on a wood table. The plastic will damage it. You can have a felt backed table cover made to fit the table. It is worth the investment as it will protect the table indefinitely. Look in the yellow pages or Google it. In the meantime, buy some heavy felt in the fabric store and cut it to fit the top of the table. Use a nice tablecloth over that.
2007-01-30 04:15:24 · answer #4 · answered by notyou311 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If you can't afford to use a table, then maybe a plywood folding table would be better for you.
Furniture is made to be used and enjoyed. If you wish for your furniture to last forever, maybe having children was your first mistake, followed by having friends over, followed by having the table in your house instead of behind glass in a museum.
The obvious point here is: If the table is quality, a simple hand towel under a hot pot is sufficient and stains easily wipe off any decent table. If it is not a quality table, then what are you crying about? Use it until it needs replacing, then buy another or refinish it yourself.
If you are babying your furniture, it more than likely means you bought a stick of wood you can't afford with money better spent towards a college education account for your kids, instead of impressing your friends who you don't trust to not spill anything in your house.
2007-01-30 04:26:01 · answer #5 · answered by Edward W 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
why not buy really cute placemats from Pier 1... a runner is a good idea too..whats the point of having a nice table if ur afraid to touch it?
2007-01-30 04:13:46 · answer #6 · answered by ♥queen b♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my advice is to quit covering your table and use it uncovered all the time for maximum enjoyment. sure your kids might cause a minor scuff or scratch, but when they are older that will increase the value of the table to you and them. enjoy
2007-01-30 04:16:54 · answer #7 · answered by Lane 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Trivets.. metal or tile plates to keep heat from ruining your table or counters.. They have silicone potholders that double as trivets and arent as expensive as individual trivets...
2007-01-30 04:12:01 · answer #8 · answered by PenguinsWife 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i'd just lacquer the whole table so you can actually use it like a table and not a fine piece of china.
honestly, i dunno how tables can get away with it, would you ever buy a window you couldn't look through, or a door you couldn't open??? why buy a table you can't eat off!?!
2007-01-30 04:16:11 · answer #9 · answered by conventional 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
what you should do is buy this really nice pot holders they're not flat ones they stick up then you set your dishes on them and nothing will get burned. Of course you could always buy clear place matts from walmart they're new. :):):):)
2007-01-30 04:20:01 · answer #10 · answered by Cassie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋