I hear you! perhaps something with a busy pattern that hides minor spills.

Chilewich placemats and then toss them in the washing machine / lingerie bag.

I can always tell where my BIL sits at family gatherings. Maybe I should get an adult highchair for him!

I agree with Chilewich mats.

Using pretty chargers that can be wiped off in addition to the placemats helps a lot with cleanup for all ages. I leave a few placemats and chargers set out on one table so I don’t have to hover over someone if they decide to eat a cookie off a napkin, a grandchild wants a snack or we sit down for a nice dinner.

oil cloth comes in a lot of stylish patterns now ..... I use fabric/ lace tablecloths periodically [a lot of family vintage ones] but I like the oil cloth day to day and then i use placemats on top that can be placed in washer and of course brush the crumbs into the sink after a meal. Its easy to make placemats even by hand with a bit of batting in the middle/ reversible/ embroider the edge etc.. I have about 3 sets that I've made and I love how fun they can be and wash as needed. as long as I have a drawer somewhere to stow the tablecloths/ placemats that can be grabbed in a second I like having Some fabric things and I dont iron either . too much linen / fabric stuff can take a lot of storage space so I keep ones that mean something or that get used regularly.

I use dark woven with a pattern from C&B and they work great, just get a bunch so you can toss in the wash without doing laundry all the time.

Plastic with a weave look are nice and choose a color to complement your dishes.

https://www.crateandbarrel.com/chilewich-crepe-neutral-vinyl-placemat/s667243?epik=dj0yJnU9R1BDQ0liYld6d3Y2WkZoalBCU21rdlh2dU0tNS1pZ2wmcD0wJm49YnRoV1hLbjF5MkphVkttQjdtLVJEQSZ0PUFBQUFBR1FIUV9B

Nice table can mean a lot of different things, but washable cloth ones are a step up from plastic with all kinds of looks. Many don’t require ironing and some even state not to, or lay flat to dry.

Use washable placemats. Non-nubby waterproof placemats. Waterproof the snot out of non-washable ones- like woven straw mats can't be washed, but they can be waterproofed. Helps considerably. If you are more hardcore and OK with chemicals, with some mats you can do a silicone saturation treatment. Use busier patterns or colors that hide stains more. Use a table that is easy to clean messes.

My aunt is an incredible entertainer and runs in a high society crowd. Her home is really stylish. I was complimenting this gorgeous matte black tablecloth she had - a real stunner, and asked where she got it. "Off the bolt at Joanne fabrics. I use it for when the grandkids come over. Wipe it down with a dish sponge when they leave." I was shocked that she even knew what Joanne fabrics was and immediately got one for myself that I have used for years. It is slightly rubbery feeling, which sounds awful but is not. It is really chic and perfect for our friends who are lovely people but total klutzes and slobs.

On a daily basis we use Pimpernel placemats which are hard, wipeable, and have a cork back. Many of their deisgns are cheesy, but not the classic black with gold border.

https://www.pimpernelinternational.com/2010648062.html

There is a seller on Etsy who has some beautiful leather placemats. I'm really tempted but they are pricey. https://www.etsy.com/listing/740815156/dining-table-leather-placemats-leather?click_key=5a5f809d349ee811e5dde5cc0be2371d09588bda%3A740815156&click_sum=d82b94b8&ga_search_query=placemats&ref=shop_items_search_6&pro=1&sts=1

ShadyWillowFarm, I was thinking more about your question and realized we haven’t passed dishes at our table for many, many years. We have the meal set up like a buffet on a stone surface that is easily cleaned, each person fixes their plate then takes it to the set table. Frankly, our dining area might look like a crime scene if we passed food. Someone usually gets up and casually clears the plates and I like that we can linger at a mostly cleared table afterward. I’m not a fan of tablecloths either so a runner, mats and chargers help reduce the wood table surface area.

There are really nice placemats for Chilewich they are "plastic" but very nice looking We entertain a lot and I have about 5 styles of the placemets I use cloth napkins I do iron but you could do polyester napkins Just Google Chilewich placemats. Thye wash off with a damp cloth even pasta sauce .

I prefer tablecloths, but I respect that you do not. However, several years ago, I purchased white dasmack tablecloths from Linen &Things when they had a storefront, in three sizes with napkins for my table. They are a poly cotton and go in the washer and dryer. since they are white, they can be bleached if needed. I adore them. No muss, no fuss, and most important, no iron. I have very nice other tablecloths, but find I do not use them.

Go on Amazon and search place mats. I don't know if you want a solid, or several different prints, Just look at the ratings and be sure to get the mats and the napkins at the same time. Read all the comments. Get more than you think you need.

I'm another one who plates in the kitchen for just the two of us, or as a buffet when there are more diners. My DIL serves family style and it drives me crazy waiting for a dish to come around.

Me too, I also plate in the kitchen for my family of 6. We use our dining room at least twice a week, plating on the kitchen island keeps the dining room neater.

I don't iron either and I use a lot of table cloths..careful shopping. Actually I find placemats needing more ironging as their corners roll. Part of setting a nice table means there's going to be clean up involved, sorry.

Found some Chilewich placemat knockoffs on Amazon, so ordered them. Thanks for all the suggestions!!

I use Chilewich, too. I buy the square shaped as the it works better for the table. Always use cloth napkins, no iron, can be bleached. If I want to dress up the table, napkins rings and plate charger add a touch. My dining table is concrete.

If I can find my order, I will to share with you the napkins I have for everyday.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PQFF3XP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

@ShadyWillowFarm, can you post link for Amazon knockoffs?

I found a set of hardboard placemats years ago, got some for each of my sisters and my niece that year for Christmas and we have all been using them exclusively since.

They are a hardboard backed with cork, available with all types of designs, easy to wipe down, last for years and don't look like something you bought at the dollar store.

Link to one I found on amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Cala-Home-Premium-Hardboard-Placemats/dp/B01M29QS2L?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A1TPBL6B7HVQGD

Rachel, there are loads of them. Look for ones that say they clean up with soap and water.

@ShadyWillowFarm, thanks

Sorry, on my tablet and can’t copy the link. Here is the heading of what I bought - Lseaning Braided Placemats 15 Inches Round Placemat Set of 4 for Dinning Table Woven Place Mat Non-Slip Table Mats Blue 15in (38cm).