Three household placemats made with, from the top: cork, wool and fiber.

A placemat is a protective table pad usually made of paper, plastic or cloth for restaurants and households. Asian-style placemats may feature thin slats of bamboo or colourful beads .^[1][2][3] The term is derived from the mat being put at a person's "place" (chair) at a table.

[edit] Uses

Their primary function is to protect the dinner table from water marks, food stains or heat damage. They also serve as decoration, especially placemats made from lace or silk, etc. In restaurants they can be used to advertise menu items, specials, and local businesses. They may also have games for children.

Higher end placemats, made from vinyl or leather, are used by hotels and organizations for meetings as they allow for easier writing, provide an area to lean comfortably and place objects on the table with minimal noise during meetings.

[edit] See also

• Tablecloth
• Doily
• Coaster
• The Dinner Party - an artwork depicting unique dinner place settings for a group of notable women from history.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• USHistory.org – Weaving a Placemat
• Decorating with Placemats by Sherry Holetzky

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