I still associate tablecloths with "special occasion dining," and why not? Big holiday meals like Thanksgiving are special occasions, with an abundance of food, family, and friends to elevate the moment. Even if you're not really a tablecloth kind of guy or gal, maybe you'll want to take a chance this season. From simple stripes to a classic floral pattern, these five tablecloths are just what your plain table ordered: More

Otomi fabric is handmade by Otomi Indians of Hidalgo, Mexico. The Otomi patterns (which are hand-embroidered in the traditional fabrics and printed in the manufactured facsimiles) are said to come from the ancient cliff drawings of the region. We love the bright colors and bold geometries of Otomi fabrics and would welcome such a lively print to the tabletop in our otherwise plain-Jane dining room: More

Chevron may come and go, but polka dots (and other dot designs) will never go out of style. They're timeless—simultaneously sweet and classic, yet still cool and modern-looking when done right. I'm rediscovering my love for dots, and today's finds may convert me fully. Don't you just love that red polka dot linen tablecloth? Or the gold dotted bowl? So fun and frisky. I'm sold.
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I was pretty happy to spot these bolts of 100% cotton tea towel fabric at my local fabric store. The edges are finished with selvages, so you just have to sew up either end and voilà! you have a lovely tea towel for considerably less than what it would cost to buy them pre-made. The fabric comes in classic stripes and checks as well as vintage patterns. More

If you have an old picnic table that's ugly and scarred, or if you're at a public picnic site and want to cover the table tops with something cheerful and easy to clean, consider this: oilcloth! A few yards will instantly add a bright and celebratory vibe to your gathering! More

What would a cocktail be without a cocktail napkin? Forget paper. If you really want to impress your guests, serve them a drink accompanied by one of these pretty cloth napkins. Here are three DIY (for those of you who sew) and four ready-to-buy options! More

I think everyone in my family has some version of these placemats, and I resisted for a long time. Do you really need them, anyway? I had pretty linen ones for dinner parties. And setting a plate on a bare table seemed just fine for nightly dinners. But I bought finally bought some, and here's why I love them. More

Isak Dinesen famously said: "The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea." While these nautical-inspired tabletop pieces won't replace a wind-blown afternoon out on the water, they'll recall images of knotted ropes, preppy sailors, and anchors ahoy—something to tie you over until the next time you're seaside. (They're also perfect for a themed party!)

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Sometimes an idea is born that makes you just sit back and scratch your head, wondering why didn't I think of that? Such is the case with these easy, sweet-looking napkins. More

I have a large stack of cloth napkins for everyday use, mostly sourced from thrift stores and flea markets. I love them for their uniqueness and funky charm and enjoy mixing and matching them to create a lively, colorful table. But when I want a more refined, elegant feel for a nice dinner party, there's nothing like a simple linen napkin, preferably in a neutral shade of off white or beige. More