I ALWAYS use placemats (or a tablecloth)–each and every single time I sit down to eat at a table (yes, this includes when I dine at the coffee table).  It’s one of those things ingrained in me as a kiddo by mi madre.  And don’t worry, I know this makes me a little neurotic.  Really, I think it’s a pretty endearing quality. Right?

Placemats can sometimes be a little pricey, even at places like Target.  And if you’re like me, you like to have a variety of shapes and colors.  Sooooo…why not create your own placemats?!?

Purchase some felt at your local fabric store in the color of your choice (this should be very inexpensive), and cut it into the shape of your choice: a traditional rectangle, a modern square, a circle, a heart…the opportunities are endless!