Table Pad Draped or Trimmed to Size

Dear Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee,

We just bought a very expensive dining room set. I would like to protect the table with a table pad underneath the table cloth. How long should the table pad be? Should it be the same length as the table cloth or just long enough to cover the table? I have been to several stores and none of the clerks knew the proper length.

Signed,

Thanks much!

Dear Thanks much,

Trim the table pad with scissors to fit exact shape and size of your table. However, if the table pad is thin and softly drapes over the side, then it can hang slightly over the edge of the table. Also, for a very expensive table, you might consider having a custom made table pad fit to the exact dimensions of your table to protect the top from scratches, heat, and spills.