We also have a large square table that seats 8. I've found smaller round placemats work better than regular ones because they don't look crowded. I'd like to use a regular cloth, but have not found any sources that offer a square cloth in a large enough size.

Our kitchen table is similar and expands into a large square table. Like, alku05 I've not had any luck finding a tablecloth for this size and it's even difficult to find a continuous piece of fabric wide enough. What I finally did was to purchase a bedspread and trim it to size. Mine also would not be able to accomopdate 8 placemats.

Here is mine dressed for Thankgiving. We only use the leaf when we have guests. As we only have 6 chairs, I use a bench ottoman for one side.

{{!gwi}}

Well, you could try round mats, which would be less space-consuming than the standard rectangular placemats.

Lindac explained the runner situation well.

Or, do you need anything under the plates? Is the dining table top finished so that it can take wear and tear? What about getting a piece of glass cut to put on the top, and then for sure you don't need linens.

I don't us place-mats or table-cloths for daily eating. I'll put a cloth on the table for our more formal meals. Polyurethane finish has held up so far...and the table gets wiped down at least twice a day.

Slightly O/T, but I have to chuckle at valinsv's solution of a bedspread for a tablecloth, because I do the exact opposite. I have an old, square linen tablecloth that was my grandmother's, with embroidery and cutwork, and I use it as my summer bedspread.

Back to the real topic now.

Luncheon sized placemats are slightly smaller and may fit on the table better. I know Pimpernel makes some and I'm sure there are others.
Pimpernel
I don't know anything about the link so I don't recommend them, I just used it to show sizes & options.

I have the same trouble with my rectangular kitchen table. I finally solved the problem by using round placemats! Target has them in several different colors.

Have you thought about using charger plates?

Great ideas!

And, thanks so much for the pic!

We have indoor pets and it's so much easier to keep things clean without a table cloth for every day, but I can always just use it when we have guests. Did that during the holidays.

Love the idea to use 4 runners - that would look really nice and serve as place mats, all in one.

And, round place mats do help a lot - rectangular ones overlap a bit at the corner place settings. I used round during the holidays. I'll check out Target!

I've never seen or heard of luncheon place mats - that's a neat option - will check out that site and also do a Google search. Thanks!

Our table is finished - probably is a polyurethaned wood surface. I try to be really careful with it - use trivets, place mats for most meals (it's just DH and I at home now) - I'm just afraid of scratching the surface. I know I'm being more cautious than I need to be, but it's the first set we've bought new and I know it has to last. LOL!

How clever to use a bedspread as a table cloth - so creative!

This was my holiday table. Just seemed cramped to me. I put the silverware on the plates/napkins to save space. BTW, those are gold charges - they're reflecting the red plates and look red. Fortunately, I was able to set up food buffet style, so most of the serveware didn't have to be on the table.

I was just out of ideas and have been bored with the way I've been setting our table - want to do a little something nicer for every day, even though it's just DH and me! I so appreciate your replies! :)

I, too, have a square table (with the leaf) that seats 8, and I ditto the round placemats--that's what I use. As for table cloths--a few years ago at TJMaxx, I picked up some "full/queen" quilts that were perfectly square and fit the table like they were made for it! I'm so glad I got several (different, solid colors) because I can't find those exact measurements anymore. (I also bought a couple in twin size to use when the table does have its leaf in use, I liked them so much).

Well I also have a 60x 60. Seats 8 ( can add leaf for more) I found tablecloths LA linen on amazon- helps you size, I got A 70x70 and a 90x90 for when I add leaf, they have at least 20 colors bother costing no more than $20-$25 each. They was well, stain lift well and take out of dryer no iron! Hope this helps . Thanks for sharing ideas