Apply polyurethane clear coat..

Agree.

Just wondering if the polyurethane will change the look of the table......ie very shiny? How many coats do you recommend?

I suggest 2-3 coats in a satin finish. That should be nice.

Polyurethane comes in many levels of shine..I have had good luck with even one coat..if you do it yourself read and follow the directions closely..to avoid air bubbles...brush strokes etc..also for more than one coat a light sanding between coats is important...if it does feel too shiny to you ....after fully dried a light buff with fine steel wool will bring the shine down