We have an old wooden dining table which we used with mats pre-DC, but since then have had a cheapo £5 PVC wipe clean table cloth then graduated to a £25 oilcloth though that has eventually stained.
We need a larger table now and I'm wary that we may buy a lovely table but cover it up with another wipeable table cloth. Is there an alternative? Would it work to do a few extra layers of varnish?
Should mention DC are extremely messy so nothing would stay on a placemat. Needs to stand up to curry stains, paint stains, many spills and can't be glass as DH can't stand glass on tables.