I've honestly had better luck with my local composting facility than buying bagged stuff. Anything that has popped up from the local place has been climatized to my locale. So all the microbes are already established. Anything folks may buy thats bagged comes from all over and still would need to establish a healthy microbiome. I cant complain. Ive got morels growing now! We do get a few ants in the spring (its when they swarm and are looking for nesting sites)- but nothing crazy. Plus they feed all the little newts and salamanders that live in my yard!

Also- Some localities also have free composting facilities. My town does! I can get mulch, woodchips, and compost and drop off items as well.

I've got an old round clawfoot oak table that has expanding leaves if I need it (It came with two 12 inch extending leaves and 7 chairs)It handles mugs and plates fine. You can definitely throw a tablecloth on it if you're worried. I found mine at a yardsale for $75. Since its solid wood its very light. It's also bolted together which means its easy to disassemble for transport. If you're putting a hot pot on a surface it's generally a good idea to put a pot holder under it anyway no matter what the surface. I've always just put anything straight put of the oven on pot holders as a general rule.