Plastic tablecloth or not

Posted: Tue, Aug 09 2011, 10:48 am Post subject: plastic tablecloth or not

A sort of spin off from the serving at the table thread.
This is really just meant to be a poll, no need to reply other than the poll.

If I am missing any option, please tell me and I will edit it.

Posted: Tue, Aug 09 2011, 10:59 am Post subject: Re: plastic tablecloth or not

Posted: Tue, Aug 09 2011, 11:04 am Post subject: re: plastic tablecloth or not

I voted no, but I have a caveat. My DH really likes milchigs for Friday night (especially now when Shabbos is so late, because it's a lighter meal). I don't typically use a plastic tablecloth because I don't think it's nice, but when I have milchigs friday night, I put a plastic over my cloth tablecloth and then take it off for the lunch seudah (which is always fleish).
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Silver Member Joined: Jan 05 2006 Posts: 604

I wrote yes- assuming you mean for Shabbos? I use a harder clear plastic over a cloth one.

Posted: Tue, Aug 09 2011, 12:03 pm Post subject:

NO! Yuck. I don't use disposables, why would I use a plastic tablecloth? All my tablecloths are washable. Something that's too stained for Shabbat can be used during the week.
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Emmanuel Tzvi: 26 Shevat 5766
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Platinum Member Joined: May 07 2008 Posts: 8963

Platinum Member Joined: May 07 2008 Posts: 8963

Posted: Tue, Aug 09 2011, 12:34 pm Post subject:

Nope! No plastic!!
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Posted: Tue, Aug 09 2011, 12:36 pm Post subject: re: plastic tablecloth or not

No plastic, no oilcloth, no linoleum and always cloth. As marion said once it's too stained it goes for weekdays and after that as a shmatte to cover things while painting or dirty work. Gets used for something for ages and ages.
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Platinum Member Joined: May 07 2008 Posts: 8963

I wouldn't dream of **not** protecting my table and cloth with plastic. Not that cheap flimsy disposable junk like a sandwich bag that flies around and clings to your skin, but a thick, substantial, crystal-clear material with stitched edges. When someone invents a woven cloth that is liquid-proof and can be wiped off with a rag, then and only then will I let my tablecloths go commando.

Posted: Tue, Aug 09 2011, 12:38 pm Post subject: re: plastic tablecloth or not

I use real cloth covered in a heavy non-disposable plastic. I never use the disposable plastic...I need a definition of what you mean by plastic tablecloth!

Posted: Tue, Aug 09 2011, 12:40 pm Post subject:

My table is protected by table pads/protectors UNDER the tablecloth. I have no illusions of having gorgeous tablecloths to pass down...luckily I have only boys so far and I can't imagine them caring. Beyond which, we got so many tablecloths when we got married. Most seem to be Teflon coated as nothing sticks. (I do my white laundry motzaei Shabbat...)

Diamond Member Joined: Sep 17 2009 Posts: 3981

Real tablecloth and I always try to use fabric napkins as well. It doesnt feel like 'my' shabbos table with paper napkins.

Posted: Tue, Aug 09 2011, 12:45 pm Post subject: Re: plastic tablecloth or not

Diamond Member Joined: Jan 01 2008 Posts: 4023

I use plastic tablecloth on top of my non-plastic especially when I have guest to make them more comfortable. If a guest spills wine while he makes kiddush or gets it dirty with a bit of soup or horseradish or whatever, he'd feel horrible. This way he knows it's no big deal.

Posted: Tue, Aug 09 2011, 1:50 pm Post subject: re: plastic tablecloth or not

I cannot thank the person who thought of disposable plastics as well as the hard plastic! With 5 small children and all the spills that go on I really must use disposable plastics. Its also great for cleaning up the crumbs. I just gather it up and my table is clean once again!

Diamond Member Joined: Feb 28 2010 Posts: 4876

I don't use plastic tablecloths. Haven't for years. Most of my tablecloths aren't that expensive, and they seem to hold up really well. Wine is spilled all the time, and most of the stains come out. If there's a tiny stain anyway by the time the whole table is set it's covered.
We aren't so formal that any guest feels bad if he spills wine or grape juice. In fact, half our guests are little kids who spill all the time.

We do tend to use plastic plates. I buy colourful ones and match colourful contrasting napkins. It looks nice with the real tablecloth but tends to look cheesy with the plastic cover.

Posted: Tue, Aug 09 2011, 2:04 pm Post subject: re: plastic tablecloth or not

no, only on yom tov when I don't have enough tablecloths.

Posted: Tue, Aug 09 2011, 2:07 pm Post subject:

Moderator Joined: Aug 14 2005 Posts: 4555 Location: Ohio

Okay, I have to ask. I hear that this question gets asked by shidduchim. So is one bad and one good? Or do you just want a wife/husband who are used to doing things the same way. Inquiring minds want to know.

I do not use plastic tablecloths, but just because I don't like the way they feel when I put my arm against the table. I wish they didn't bother me because my kids have ruined a lot of nice tablecloths!
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