I have a 2' folding table that I bought at Costco for about $30--maybe less. I use it in my sewing room to hold up the weight of a quilt when I'm sewing on binding, sit my embroidery machine on it so it can do it's thing while I sew, and use it as a sit down cutting table.

A small ironing board might also work for you. That's what I used before I bought the little fold up table.

Beverly

I found an old typewriter table at a thrift shop that I used for my sewing machine in the dining/living room. It was very inexpensive, probably about $5 or so. Some of the things I liked about it were the fold out sides and the wheels and fit nicely into a corner when I wasn't using it. It was also pretty stable. But it was pretty small so only good for piecing.

You might want to check out a thrift store and see what they have.

I must say I would think that the noise of the sewing machine would make conversation hard. If your spouse was trying to watch TV or even read he might not be very happy with your presence and the noise. I do my handquilting or hand finishing like the binding, hanging sleeve or label while sharing the space with my husband. The only time we are together while I am using the machine is when he is on the computer in my sewing room.
Handwork makes it easy to watch TV, listen to a book on tape or even hold a conversation.

I have a wooden TV tray... works great

I have the one from Walmart. You can go to the Walmart web site. They don't always have them in the store. Mine cost $99.00. I believe you can order them on web site and have them picked up at store near you. My daughter also has one and two of my quilting friends saw mine & now have them.

I have a folding table I got at Sam's - it has adjustable legs so you can raise it if needed. I think it's about 4 feet long. It's very light weight.

I purchased a very nice sturdy fold up table at Wallgreens for 25 dollars that works great. It is not like a card table it is 46" long x 38" wide. The legs are ajustable up or down. Once I am done sewing I fold it in half and it is the size of a medium narrow suitcase and fits in the closet just right.

How much do you want to spend? I bought this small table that my machine sits into by Roberts Tables. http://www.sewvacdirect.com/roberts299w.html

It does fold also if you need to store it when not using.

I work for an auctioneer and watch for small tables. I bought a sewing table with a drawer, the only thing wrong was the leg fell off. A little wood glue and it was as good as new. Auctions are a good place to buy cheap unwanted items

Check the Sew EZ tables. They are very sturdy and portable.