A place mat is an item used to protect a table from spills and scratches. It is usually made of cloth or plastic and can be decorated with lace, embroidery, or other designs. The two crossword solutions for the term 'place mat' are DOILY (5 letters) and COVERING (8 letters). A DOILY is a small, decorative mat made of lace or other fine material, often used to decorate a table. A COVERING is a material used to cover something, such as a table, to protect it from damage or dirt.