Photo courtesy Shutterstock Images

Crisp table dressings provide an elegant backdrop to any meal. Yet conventionally grown cotton pesticide applications include some of the most toxic organophosphate pesticides in use. Paper alternatives contribute to deforestation, and vinyl, made from polyvinyl chloride, releases carcinogenic dioxins during manufacturing and incineration. Instead, look for Rawganique's newly expanded line of organic French linen and organic hemp tablecloths ($54 and up; www.rawganique.com, 877-729-4367). Or try hand-woven, organic cotton tablecloths from Native Organic in rustic stripes or plaids (tablecloths, $40, napkins, $35/set of 4; www.nativeorganic.com, 800-766-7454).

Peace Silk tablecloths, made of silk that doesn't kill silkworms, suits the spirit of the season. "It's very popular because it's a more humane silk," says Paul Meriac of Organic Avenue in New York, who will soon carry Ahimsa Peace Silk tablecloths (about $50; www.organicavenue.com, 212-334-4593). Or you could drape the table with Eri Peace Silk fabric, a wild silk from India ($26/yard; www.aurorasilk.com, 503-286-4149).

For organic cotton napkins, try the undyed ones from Kushtush ($25; www.kushtush.com, 888-488-3550) or the sateen finish napkins from VivaTerra ($30/set of 4; www.vivaterra.com, 800-233-6011). Complete the table with recycled glass napkin rings, either Ghanaian beaded rings from Fair Trade Federation member eShopAfrica ($40/set of 6; www.eshopafrica.com) or molded fish napkin rings from Aurora Glass ($20/set of 4; www.auroraglass.org, 888-291-9311).