also, take into consideration tablecloth size. Oversize tablecloths are hard to find. Here's a chart: .. table size: 28"x46" to 40"x58", seats 4 to 6, tablecloth size: 52"x70" .. 36"x60" to 48"x72", seats6 to 8, 60"x84" tablecloth .. 36"x78" to 48"x90" , seats 8 to 10, 60"x102" tablecloth .. 36"x96" to 48"x108", seats 12 to 14, 60"x120" tablecloth .. Based on this chart, I'd say 48" is the largest commom width, and that larger is going to be hard to find a tablecloth to fit nicely. Also, a 120" length is going to pose a challenge if you want a tablecloth on it.

We have one made by Canadel. You can pick your stain/paint color, leg style, and edge style of the table top. http://www.canadel.ca/ We are very happy with it, except it is very hard to find large enough tablecloths (need a 90" round, and I have yet to find a large enough oval, so have to live with them being to short on the sides). I can't remember how much we paid for it, as we bought an entire set with 8 chairs and a buffet/china cabinet all at the same time.

The NKBA used to state 24" "linear" space per person at table-height; now they say 30" (with 19" of leg room for each person, meaning minimum of 38" deep rectangular/oval table...but yours will be a round table so the leg room will not be an issue for you.) So, the circumference of a circle = 2(pi)r pi = 3.14 2r = diameter = 54" or 60" 54" table circumference = 169.56" Divided by 24" = 7.065 Divided by 30" = 5.652 60" table circumference = 188.4 Divided by 24" = 7.85 Divided by 30" = 6.28 Because of the curve on a round table, I think the 24" number would be fine to use for spacing. As to your children - do NOT base any decisions on the current sizes/ages of your children - they grow very, very quickly and anything you do based on their current sizes/ages will be obsolete just as quickly! Plan for them at adult size - they will be that by their early teens! Here's some information I found about seating: http://www.brightsettings.com/Seating-Setup-Guide.htm Common Seating Capacities Per Table Round Tables 36" Seats 4 People 42" Seats 5 People 48" Seats 5 People 54" Seats 6 People 60" Seats 8 People 72" Seats 10 People http://www.rr-partyrentals.com/faqs_front_end/index.cfm?fuseaction=list_faq_para&cat_id=2&detail_id=7 Seating & Space Information: Round Tables 36" - Seats 2-4 48" - Seats 4-6 60" - Seats 6-8 72" - Seats 8-10 BTW...Do not base your seating on your experiences at weddings or other events you go to. In many cases they squeeze as many people to a table as possible, knowing it is temporary seating and that most people will only be seated for a short time while they eat...at least a few people from each table will be up and about and that will give the others more room. But, what will the aisles be like around the table? You say the space is "not a separate measurable room" and that you currently have a "36 x 60 table...[that]...works well whether I have it longways along the slider door or the perpendicular to the slider". Based on how you plan to use it, I think you would be better off with a rectangular or oval table 42" deep with, possibly, several leaves to customize its size. We have a 42" deep table and its just deep enough to allow basic serving dishes for every-day meals. We also use our table for games and find that with a board game it's barely deep enough and no one has trouble reaching the board or the center of the table...another 18" would be fine...it's only adding 9" to the reach to each person (9" more from a 42" deep table). In your case, 60" is only adding another 6" to the overall depth and only 3" to the reach (to the center) for each person. If you must go with a round table, I personally would recommend the 60" table.

IMHO, rather than making a vinyl tablecloth, your BFF would be better served with a few cloth alternatives. I use tablecloths or placemats to protect my tables during mealtime, so I keep several on hand of each. That way I can just put on another at the next meal if one is soiled--and don't have to race to the washer. Just like having another set of sheets or towels, your friend might consider investing a relatively small amount in table linens. She might try places like Marshalls, Ross, TJ Maxx for discount placemats and napkins. Tablecloths of the 90" variety she can find online. Here's one source--though I've not personally seen this tablecloth, it has quite good reviews and is $32. I'm sure there are other sources. Making one would require several yards of fabric, so likely not cheaper. However, if she's determined to go with vinyl, then I think you can seam it the same way you would a fabric one. Even expensive tables will not ruin from the immediate touch of water or coffee. It's only when the liquid is left on that it becomes a problem. And surely your BFF is using something to protect from hot items. IMHO, putting clear vinyl over fabric would be a cheap looking solution that many guests might find unattractive--which again begs the question, WHY have a nice table if you're going to use plastic on it? IMHO, it's kind of like having a BMW that you just keep parked in the garage while you drive an old beat up clunker. Why would someone do that? Here is a link that might be useful: 90