Showing off my new dinner table?

We just purchased a really nice dinner table set and it is always covered with a vinyl tablecloth because I have kids and I don't want it to get ruined. Well I am having some people over and don't want the beauty of it to be hidden. Since the kids will be asleep by then I would like it to be uncovered, the only thing is that I am serving tails and appetizers and don't want the table to get ruined from heat and stains. What affordable options do I have besides placemats, since it is not a sit down dinner? A runner? Potholders (i don't know what they are called but they protect the table from hot dishes)?