Abstract: A protective device (10) for a tabletop (14) has a covering (12) and at least two mounting elements (18). The mounting elements (18) each have a longitudinal extent (18a), a fastening member (20) and a retaining member (22). The tabletop (14) extends along a table plane (16). The fastening members (20) are configured for fastening the associated mounting element (18) on the tabletop (14) so that the respective longitudinal extent (18a) of the associated mounting element (18) runs transverse to the table plane (16). The retaining members (22) are configured to retain the covering (12) and to withstand tensile forces that act on the associated retaining member (22) transverse to the longitudinal extent (18a) of the respective mounting elements.