- Placemat
A placemat is a protective table pad usually made of
paper ,plastic or cloth forrestaurant s andhousehold s. Asian-style placemats may feature thin slats ofbamboo . [ [http://www.flickr.com/photos/66928398@N00/18073197/ Flickr.com] ] [ [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rodneys/2312966812/ Flickr.com] ] The term is derived from the mat being put at a person's "place" (chair ) at a table.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 orsilk , 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 orleather , are used byhotel s 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.See also
*
Tablecloth
*Doily
*Coaster References
External links
* [http://www.geocities.com/tharparker/tablerunner.html Photos of Handmade placemats]
* [http://www.ushistory.org/carpentershall/edu/placemat.htm USHistory.org] – Weaving a Placemat
* [http://home.families.com/blog/decoratingwithplacemats Decorating with Placemats] by Sherry Holetzky
* [http://www.homenlinens.com/asp/sku.asp?catid=10186994238546 Photos Of Novelty Placemats & Runners]
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