Dining Room Tablecloth - Yes or No

twinsister · ‎03-12-2010

If you have a formal dining room, do you always leave a tablecloth on or just when you are having company? When I was growing up, my mom always had a lace tablecloth on the table. I use a runner and only remove it when we are using the table.

I need a new runner and a friend suggested using a tablecloth instead, but it seems old fashioned to me. If I did, I probably wouldn't buy lace. I think of that saying "everything old is new again". I'm not being critical if you do use a cloth, just curious what others are using.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

I use a runner on my formaL table for everyday, but I use a tablecloth on my kitchen table al of the time. My kitchen table top is made up of ceramic tile placed in a wooden border.

My DH keeps using windex to clean the table and it is ruining the wood trim. The tablecloth stops him from doing that. He tries to be helpful, but won't listen and swears it is not him. I had to outsmart him.

I like the look of lace tablecloths, but you still have to dust the table and remove the tablecloth first. Two steps instead of one.

ScrapHappy · ‎03-28-2010

In my formal dining room the table is not covered. I use a table cloth when being used and I used to have a padded cover for it too. I'd like to get a runner for it but I haven't found one I like. I have a very large farm house table (113 inches) off my kitchen. That does have a table cloth on it only because it's exposed to the sun. Once I get new window treatments, I'll be taking it off. I like the look and the color of the wood.

piperbay · ‎04-03-2013

My dining room table always has a tablecloth on it year round.

I also have a nice lace tablecloth that I place over a beige tablecloth for a fresh look.

I know it's probably more in style to not use a tablecloth, but I think the table looks so bare without one.

haddon9 · ‎03-09-2010

Right now there is a runner with some decorative pieces on the dining room table. I will use a tablecloth along with table pads only when we're using the table which is usually when we have company.

For the kitchen, again I only use a cloth when having company and want the table to look extra nice.

Puppy Lips · ‎05-09-2010

We have those table pads, so the pads are always on the table with a table cloth on. My dining room table has the most beautiful inlaid pattern on it. I guess it is not really "inlay," as it looks more like geometric drawings on it. I always wanted to keep the table nice and scratch free, which it is, but we never get to look at it, which is why I can not really describe the design.

A few years ago the table base broke, and I literally was going to donate the table. But I was able to find someone recently to come right to our house to fix it. He loved the table and said to call him if we ever want to get rid of it - which I won't now that it is fixed.

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. Margaret Mead

Catiele · ‎08-20-2012

I have a crocheted by my Aunt to put in my hope chest. I love and treasure it. Right now my dining room table is being used to do puzzles. My husband is finishing one now. He knows that it is the last one until next winter.

queendiva · ‎03-12-2010

I have never kept anything on my DR table except for a centerpiece.

When used for dining I use either placemats or a tablecloth.

BirkiLady · ‎02-22-2015

That tablecloth or placemats are removed immediately after the meal is over and laundered and put in the linen closet. I don't like a table cloth on any dining table unless it's going to be used for dining.

Money screams; wealth whispers.