White paper on top of tablecloths -- generic or no?
 

Not sure I like that look - even at nicer restaurants. Obviously it's to protect their linens from messy eaters like me...but still...

I haven't seen it yet, but I'm sure it doesn't look good, even in nicer restaurants. They might as well put plastic throw-away tablecloths on. :eek:

I've been to a few restaurants - in the $50-a-head range - that give you crayons to draw on the paper. I don't mind.

Yep. I've seen that too. The one I was in was one that wine people frequent, an "artsy-fartsy" place if you will. Not really my thing. The service reminded me of the staff at Chuck E. Cheese. Nothing like taking the crayons and drawing a ten dollar bill and writing "tip" with an arrow to my drawing.

Worse service I've had...ever. Restaurant was seriously overpriced. Never went back.

In a Bistro or Brassierie type establishment this is common and I do not mid it.
Sets a particular tone.
However it is not appropriate for a fine dining establishment or a "Bistro"charging full restaurant prices.Then it is an affectation and also inapropriate.
The addition of crayons is silly in a place that does not cater to children.

I don't know about that. A few years ago, my husband (then boyfriend) and I had dinner with another couple at a restaurant down in Maryland which provided crayons at each table. My now mother-in-law called us in the middle of the meal to give us the exciting news that her first grandchild was born. My then boyfriend was so excited he was afraid he'd forget all the vital information (name, size at birth, time of birth) so as he spoke, I used a crayon on the paper to get the information. We still have that sheet of paper somewhere. :)

Agreed, in the proper place the paper is fine. Trying to do the low budget route with higher prices, not ok.

Saw it at a restaurant in NYC at the start of the month, and did not like it. :td: Do they think all of their customers are 7 years old??

Same here.

My thoughts precisely...

quite common in sydney.
i am not a fan.
rather have tablecloth alone, or else no table cloth at all.

Growing trend
 

I've seen this happen more and more. I have gotten used to it.