Covering a plywood table with layered skirts is an inexpensive way to add colour and pattern to a room. And the long skirt provides a undercover spot for books or storage boxes.
 

You will need:
Fabrics for underskirt and overskirt
Thread to match fabrics
Purchased or self-made piping or tassels
Push pins and string
Fabric marker
Optional: Charms or costume jewellery and fabric glue

Here's how:
1. Determine underskirt diameter and cut fabric. Measure from floor to table top, across the centre of the table, and down to floor on opposite side. Add at least 10 cm for hem. You will need two widths of fabric this length. Cut one width in half lengthwise and stitch a piece to each selvage edge of the remaining width.

2. Form circle of fabric. Fold fabric in quarters. Place pushpin in folded corner (this is skirt's top centre). Tie 1 end of string to fabric marker; tie opposite end to push pin so string equals half of skirt diameter plus any hem amount. Holding string taut, swing marker from one folded edge to opposite folded edges, drawing an arc. Cut along line, trimming away raw edges. (Be sure to cut off the marked line if ink might run when the cloth is cleaned.)

3. Finish edge. For a regular hem, fold raw edge under 2.5 cm. Iron flat and fold again2.5cm. Iron then topstitch hem in place.
For piped edge: Fold hem over cording and stitch close to cording.
For double piped edge: Sew 1 or 2 rows of piping to right side of skirt with raw edges aligned. Turn under hem and topstitch along piping line.

4. Make overskirt. Cut contrasting fabric to a square of desired size. Pipe edge, using narrower piping than at hem; add a second lacy topper and protect surface with 5mm-thick glass.

If desired, embellish the hem with purchased charms or costume jewellery, attaching them with thread or fabric glue. Stitch a tassel to each corner.