Most tablecloths you get at Target or Walmart are the worst polyester blends that will indeed stain terribly. Using higher end densely woven polyester like restaurants use is one way to go, the other is all natural fiber like cotton or linen. I have my grandparents linen table cloths & napkins. They used them every day for 50 years, no stains, because it was easy to treat. They are so soft, I've been tempted to make a dress from the tablecloth as it's a size that does not fit my table.