Kiran > wrote in message >...
> OK, this is sort of related to food: Who makes best quality placemats
> (fabric, not vinyl!)? Best value?
>
> I am a fast-food paper-napkins person, clueless in areas related to
> cooking and elegant serving, and would appreciate some help. Need a set
> of 8 for a gift. Should be nice, elegant, practical. Thanx.

I find bamboo placemats nice and practical. Look for mats that have
their ends bound with some fabric otherwise they start unravelling;
the ones bound with silk look elegant too. They wipe clean with a damp
sponge and look good forever. You should easily find these at most
Thai stores, I have seen them at Pottery Barn too.

Hope this helps,
K.