Paper to the rescue.

Some days, you set out a supper that you know is going to be a mess—think ribs, spaghetti, or anything involving ketchup and kids. This is when you put away the nice tablecloths and pull out Hester & Cook’s paper runner and placemats. And no, these aren’t your kids’ craft table coverings. Hester & Cook’s designs are wrapping paper–worthy (literally: you can actually use them as wrapping paper) and are a low-commitment, no-pressure way to brighten up your tablescape. Best of all, you don’t have to feel guilty about tossing them once you’re done: They’re already made of recycled paper.