My grandson asked why I always put a paper towel under his plate even though he has a placemat

I told him it's my backup absorption system.

The placemat catches the big spills. The paper towel catches what the placemat misses. And the tablecloth under that? Well, sweetie, that's Nana's retirement plan.

Punchline

Because one layer of protection is just a suggestion… but three is a family heirloom.