What is the best way to get a graduated background in a cell or table? Hard code it as a style or use a graphic image and put the text over the top?

Julie,

I'd use a graphic, but then use CSS to display the style.

eg. you can use this type of CSS:
.gradtable {
background: url("/image/gradtableback.gif");
}

Then use in your HTML:
<table class="gradtable>
[rows/cells here]
</table>

I hope this helps.

Regards, Rich