How can I dress up a dining table without spending too much?

I would greatly appreciate any tips or links to pictures. I am willing to purchase a fancy table cloth, but it would be hard to clean off a stain should someone spill something on it. How do you get around this problem?How can I dress up a dining table without spending too much?
I like a small setting in the middle of the table. No table cloth and then placemats. I have 4 placemats. If one gets stained very bad, I can buy just one.

I have a candle setting in the center with a small vase of flowers.

You can carry it as far as you would like to. Have the matching napkins with rings. A table runner....How can I dress up a dining table without spending too much?
Here's a good article about dressing up a small dining table:



http://www.home-decorating-made-easy.com/interior-decorating.html



These ideas could actually work for tables of any size. My husband and I bought a table today, and I'm planning to put a white vase of silk flowers in the center, and maybe buying some white table cloths (inexpensive so that if they get dirty, I can toss them and buy new ones).



You might want to check out Ikea for accessories. It has tons of deals on home decor items.
3 words 4 u ~ flowers, simplicity, randomness :)
Go to the craft store purchase a few packets of confetti silver/gold coloured shapes etc. Depending on a theme you have chosen. Sprinkle them on the table, with a few large hurricane lamps down the centre. Add colourful napkins with pretty rings. Colourful glasses, place mats. A small topiary tree in the centre. This works well with formal or BBQ settings. I choose a different colour theme %26amp; collect cheap table flowers, napkins when on special. I usually have 2 main clours on the table it works well, you will have lovely comments from your guests which makes you feel good. Best of luck
Go to your library and get a book on setting tables. I have a booklet that is nothing but napkin folding. Don't worry about staining it, that's what they are for. Besides you can always put something on it to cover the stain. Good luck!
Easy!

1] a pretty centerpiece, of flowers in a decorative vase or fruit in a bowl

2] candlesticks, with candles [ glass, crystal, chrome, silver, gold, brass, wood, stone, ....Candles should match room colors.