Even if you think your umbrella pole is stable because it’s threaded through the hole in the table, it’s not. The table could suddenly move, and from the standpoint of physics, the umbrella could cause even more problems or injuries by lifting up and out of its hole. You may also accidently kick the umbrella pole, causing it to become unbalanced, cockeyed, and potentially hitting or poking someone on the head with the ribs or finial. Not to mention the bottom of metal umbrella poles have sharp edges, so a stand protects your children’s fingers and toes if they’re ever playing under the table and dislodge a bare umbrella.