Why get something nice if you leave it to collect dust?
Because I am a book nerd. 
I am also a book nerd. But I am also a book collector. But the "nice" books do not just sit on the shelves gathering dust. I do pull them down off the shelves and clean the books and shelves. Of course, not everyone does, but I do. Besides, that is what one does with a "showcase" book. You never let others handle it, and you only take it down to show off, but not to use.
Good example, I still have the First Edition Hardbound copies of
There And Back Again (it is actually labelled that way and not "The Hobbit"),
The Lord of the Rings books, and
The Silmarillion. They only get touched by me (or Elyse). I may let me mum look at them, but that would be it. Only I get to touch them.
As a sidenote, we don't allow drinks on the same table and no alcohol at all during a session.
And hate to say it, but I'd never play in one of your sessions. I have always allowed snacks and drinks at my table. Makes the session more friendly, the way it is supposed to be. Not like a University lecture where food and drinks are not allowed. The only exception I have is when we actually break to eat a meal. Sometimes, at my house, I'll cook a supper for all the players. When eating the supper, there is no role playing allowed, just a meal with friendly conversation.
And the occassional accident is easily overlooked since all paperwork is also in electronic form and can easily be reprinted. If any notes were made, they can easily be copied from the "ruined" papers to the new printouts. However, accidents at my tables are exceptionally rare because everyone does not want to be the one who makes the booboo. Additionally, when at my house, we use a table with built-in cup holders. There are some poker tables made that way.
rmfr
