Keeping your oilcloth tablecloth on the table

[PalindromicUser]

Buckle up for the domestic conundrum of our age.

We have a nice kitchen table with chamfered edges underneath (the table is slightly sloped at the edges, rather than a straight edge like a plank). I cannot for love nor money keep the bloody tablecloth on the table thanks to the kids.

I’ve tried several types of clips and the damn thing slides around and the clips ping off.

We need the cloth because the surface of the table was getting wrecked by repeated wiping - the kids are still quite young and messy.

Any tips please?

Bit of PVA glue. Some at corners and bit in middle. Won't harm the table.

Something heavy in the middle? I have a tablecloth on my outside dining table that sometimes gets blown off so have a heavy wooden board in the middle that I then use to put hot things on when we eat.

Table protector.
www.amazon.co.uk/METRES-LEATHER-EXECUTIVE-RESISTANT-PROTECTOR/dp/B01NCKQLEH/ref=sr_1_16?crid=XRMQLCKRKVQB&keywords=table+protectors+for+dining+room+tables&sprefix=Table+pr%2Caps%2C148&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1571294454&sr=8-16

But use it white side up

Can cut it to size

Big heavy fruit bowl

That stuff you put under rugs to stop them sliding on hard floors. Sort of a rubbery crepe bandage.

I have a heat proof table protector under my oil cloth, it stays put and helps keep the oil cloth in place. It's a white rubbery mat with a hexagon pattern cut into it, with a fleecy backing, I think I got mine in John Lewis

Put the table cloth on wrong way up, pinch out the corners to get a snug fit.

Sew or staple along the pinch lines.

Turn back the right side out and put your now snug fitting table cloth back on.

Agree with lostonadustyrock www.ikea.com/gb/en/cat/anti-slip-underlays-10699/

The grey one is the best, but it can leave a residue on the table (should wipe off but I won't be held resposible for your antiques like)

Or get the oil cloth to fit with a bit of sewing or maybe glueing as PP said: www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2012/07/fitted-oilcloth-tablecover-tutorial.html

I've done this. Without the fancy finish.

www.amazon.co.uk/rejuvopedic-Ivory-Scratch-Resistant-Protector/dp/B001JB82QS/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?hvlocphy=1006868&hvnetw=g&keywords=anti+slip+table+protector&hvadid=259094761181&qid=1571295470&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_5rtBRDxARIsAJfxvYD13WH1-gsuBdeu8RqTE5csGZTtG-x254da6EEK99L1QLGiAJgD6_8aAnQ1EALw_wcB&hydadcr=26163_1867226&hvpos=1t3&hvdev=m&hvqmt=e&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&hvtargid=kwd-303109325962&adgrpid=52807377546&hvrand=15334671486431810098&sr=8-3

Don't use the anti slip stuff for rugs, it'll alter the table's finish ime

Can I hijack please? I’m about to buy an oilcloth tablecloth for a 2nd hand old table - it’s rectangular and the table cloth will need to be 240cm long so fairly big. Budget is £75. Want something modern looking. Any recommendations where to get it from?

You need a non slip table protector. More expensive but totally worth it. They really do work.

@Orangedaisy I can recommend this site:
www.wipeeasytablecloths.com/.

I have a cath kidston oilcloth and its sat there for 20 years as good as gold with no underlay. They don't do them any more. I did buy a cheap one a couple of yesrs ago but it was so light and it shifted around as you describe. If I want a change I just use an old fabric one that I chuck in the wash after.

OP you need a non slip table protector
You can buy lengths of in online or at a haberdashers (we get ours in Boyes or Dunelm)

@Orangedaisy Dunelm I have black and cream Orla Kiely one that I love (not on website only in store) but they have loads of choice
They sell it on rolls so you can buy the length you need and it's reasonable

FiveStoryFire thanks! Just ordered from there!

@fivestoryfire thanks I had seen that after a google search and was thinking of ordering from it so will dither over patterns for a while and then give it a shot.

@Trewser if yours arrives soon please add feedback on it here!