Thanks! Fresh Melba toast out of the oven - put it on here! (5,3)
I believe the answer is:
table mat
But I can't explain it at all!
(Other definitions for table mat that I've seen before include "Protector from hot plates" , "Protector under plate" , "Metal tab (anag)" , "Protector from hot dishes" , "Protective pad placed beneath plates at meals" .)