What do I need to know about tablecloths?

Question:I am buying my first tablecloth for my dining room table. I will only be using it when I have people over for dinner. I also want to get matching cloth napkins. How do I measure for a tablecloth? Do I just measure the perimeter of the table? How do I know if I am getting a quality tablecloth? Is there a thread count like sheets? Where can I find a nice one for not too much money? And do I still use placemats with tablecloths? I assume no, but how do I clean them if there is a spill? What is the best way to get out stains. My dining table is cherrywood and I think a lighter tablecloth would look best. Plus, I can use it all year round. Any ideas?

Answers:
First, get a table-pad! With a cherrywood table, you don't want rings from hot dishes or spills to mar the surface--so get a table-pad to go under the cloth. Pads are sized to cover just the table-top. Measure your table - length & width - and you'll find that tablecloths and pads come in sizes based on the size of your table. The cloth should allow for some drape all the way around--usually 6 to 8 inches. Most packaged items come with labels that will tell you what dimension table they will fit and how much drape there will be. Most shops have matching napkins for tablecloths. You get to pick the fabric type, and can have a formal or informal style, solid colour, white or ecru, patterns or prints, your pick entirely based on your diningroom style and colours. Many people use place-mats on top of tablecloths--again, it's the "look" you're looking for. Read labels as to cleaning instructions..some fabrics are "stain release", some require more care. If you're using it only for dinner guest occasions, you might consider getting a purely decorative table-top runner to leave on between parties, i.e., everyday item...colour should go with whatever your decor suggests.