I have tried throwing a <p>nbsp;</p> in there, no dice.
As ArtDutra mentioned, the use of divs (short for division iirc) is the proper way to lay out a web page. Table tags have a specific use (tables) and are not meant to be used for webpage layout.
Making a page with tables may be easier, but it's sloppy and usually flows poorly. I've never been a subscriber to the (photo)shop and chop method of website layout.
For those who would like to see the problem:
http://www.chrisms.net/MORT