Table pad
 

Several years ago, I bought padding that I was told was used in ironing board pads. I bought it by the yard at a quilt show. I used it to make pot holders. I worked great. No heat penetrated the pot holder. I would like to buy it again so I can put it under a tablecloth on my serving table and then I can put very hot casserole dishes, etc., on it. It sort of looks like a very thick felt, about 1/4 inch thick. I don't really care about the width because I can buy a couple of lengths and cut to fit. I appreciate any help/advice. Open to any suggestions. Thank you.

This one is recommended for potholders, but isn't for use in the microwave: http://www.warmcompany.com/ibpage.html
I'm glad you brought this up because I am about ready to make some table runners and should be thinking about this, too!

I made a hot pad for my table using Insul-bright (you can purchase it at Joann's) I cut a piece of thick cotton batting the size of my table and quilted the insulbright & batting together along with fabric. I made a sandwich of Insul-bright (for the top), batting (middle) & fabric for the back) Insulbright has that silvery metallic substance in it that makes it heat resistence. It is not heat proof, but I found that it works for my use. That being said, I wouldn't put a cast iron pan on it, though. You could use a couple thicknesses of the cotton batting, too.

Thank you for your suggestions. I will look for it the next time I go to JoAnn's.

I made some pot holders with Insul-bright and found I needed to put two layers of it inbetween fabric before the pot holder was heat proofed enough so I could lift up cast iron skillet handles.

My Mother the great fabric collector had a lot of heavy coat or blanket wool that I have been using in pot holders and it is the best thing I have ever found to use. I use cast iron also.