I normally use Thermore batting (very thin polyester) for table runners and toppers and haven't have any issues. It drapes pretty nicely

I HATE the term birthing as well.... seems like quite a ridiculous use of the word.

I use Warm & Natural in all my table cloths & do not have an issue with glasses tipping. I do not cover them with plastic even though we eat with them on the table. The table cloths wash well & I have not had a problem with stains even juice from beet pickles washes right out if I spray the stain first.

I am with you ladies, I HATE the word "birthing" as a quilting term. I vote we find a new term. But the quilt police may want to arrest us for disorderly conduct!

I too use quilts for table cloths. I make them with Warm and Natural and do not cover them with plastic. When they get dirty I just throw them in the washer. Glasses do not tip over. Granted, I do not have toddlers eating on them but they stand up well to the normal daily use of adults. For the most part my friends are horrified that first of all I would use a quilt on the table and then double horrified that there isn't plastic over it.

I'd use flannel or no batting. You want it to drape properly. My MIL always put a piece of plastic over the table cloth. That way the table and table cloth wouldn't get damaged with spills. But you need good potholders to keep fro melting the plastic.

I think we have be -labored this point too much.