Linen softens with washing and wrinkles freely, cotton is the durable middle ground, and treated synthetics resist stains at the cost of feel.
Work from your table size: a runner and placemats cover more configurations than a single tablecloth, and napkin size matters more than most people expect — a 20-inch napkin is a lunch napkin, a 22-inch one is for dinner. Check the care instructions before buying a colour you love.