My table, a large square pine affair which we had made to fit our then dining room, now acts as ‘office’ work place, filing space, sewing/art area & general dumping ground for items with no home as well as for dining, so yes, it is always covered firstly with a table protector then with a cloth. I interchange Indian throws with a French red & white check cloth. On high days and holidays I throw caution to the wind and use a beautiful white cloth now liberally sprinkled with red wine blobs. I really should be brave and use the table au naturel. It looks so much better naked.