Tavolo vs. tavola
In Italian, both tavolo and tavola translate to the English word table, but they are used in completely different contexts. The distinction depends on whether you are referring to the physical piece of furniture as a generic object or to the table specifically in the context of dining and sharing a meal.
Tavolo
The word tavolo refers strictly to the physical piece of furniture, focusing on its material, shape, design, or its generic use as a surface for working, studying, or playing.
Ho comprato un nuovo tavolo di vetro per il mio ufficio.
(I bought a new glass table for my office.)
I documenti importanti sono stati lasciati sul tavolo.
(The important documents were left on the table.)
Vorrei prenotare un tavolo per due vicino alla finestra.
(I would like to reserve a table for two near the window.)
Hanno spostato il tavolo pesante al centro della stanza.
(They moved the heavy table to the center of the room.)
Questo tavolo da lavoro è molto resistente.
(This work table is very sturdy.)
Tavola
The word tavola is used when the table is set for a meal, referring to the dining experience, the food being served, or the act of gathering to eat.
I bambini sono pregati di sedersi a tavola.
(The children are asked to sit at the table.)
Non si usano i telefoni cellulari mentre si è a tavola.
(Cell phones are not used while at the dining table.)
Dobbiamo sparecchiare la tavola dopo la colazione.
(We must clear the table after breakfast.)
Le feste italiane finiscono sempre con tutta la famiglia a tavola.
(Italian holidays always end with the whole family at the table.)
Hai già preparato la tavola per i nostri ospiti?
(Have you already set the table for our guests?)
Summary
To summarize, you should use tavolo when talking about the actual piece of furniture you can buy, move, or place things on. You should switch to tavola as soon as that piece of furniture is set with plates and silverware, or when people gather around it to eat.