Alterative would be a table pad, cut to fit, with tablecloth.

I would do placemats. They aren't going to last forever, so not sure I'd overthink this one. Maybe a trip to HomeGoods is in order ...

I know this is not a huge dilemma, compared to many other posts. I just can't decide on cloth, jute, woven ??? What style would look best?

I don't like fabric placemats. after you wash them they always shrink and never look quite right.

my favorite everyday placemats have a linear bamboo look to them, but they are thin and have a mesh holding them together on the back. I just brush them off (sometimes rinse them off) and roll them up. they are not 'gorgeous', but they have lasted longer then any others I've ever bought (except for the hard board British ones -- forget the name of those)

For true protection, use the plastic/rubber placemats. Although not beautiful, they do come in lots of colours/patterns. You could also use the large cork filled placemats -- they're a bit fancier. It's only the first scratch that will hurt the most.

I agree with indianpatti. Get glass cut to fit table. Problem solved!

Glass would solve the issue, but that would be a huge piece of glass - 120" long.

Honestly, I don't think placemats are your answer. They will slide and get moved around and someone is sure to set a glass on the wood. You really need to rethink either finishing the wood properly or getting a glass top (or clear plastic table cloth) for it if you want the wood to show at all times. Besides, by the time you have 10 placemats on there, you won't be seeing much of the wood anyway.

How about two long runners that go the entire length of the table, side by side, and a matching placement for the two end seats? That will pretty much cover the table for meals. You and hubby can manage with just the placemats when there is no company. Also leaves an open area in the middle for a nice table arrangement. Added a couple of other ideas in the last two pix.

That table is just to amazing to cover!! Can you have a table top protector made, and use it when you have guests? Lovely room!

I think you should figure out a way to create a finish on the table so that it can be used. What is the point of having a museum piece in the kitchen ...which is the heart of the house. My husband finishes furniture and he uses finishes that aren't really shiny. I am sure they are out there. Tablecloth or place mats or even a custom made cover are all going to be a lot of trouble.

Thanks for all the answers. I am leaning toward runners, either horizontal or vertical. I am somewhat familiar with the finishing steps needed to give the top a more durable finish. I do agree with ruthmand that by the time I put all the runners or placemats on top, the table will not be seen and I do love the look. General finishes makes a topcoat that is very durable, I may order some and test underneath (arm-r-seal urethane - as long as I don't get that plastic look) and use place mats or runners when we eat (and dare my husband to empty his truck on my table.)

@mfwolfe - If you would be so kind - ask your husband has he ever used general finishes arm-r-seal urethane, it would be put over a de-waxed shellac called bullseye sanding sealer. I am almost positive this would be okay and would give me the desired protective finish (and not look like plastic)

I vote for glass too. If you feel 120" is too long do it in two pieces.

Have you considered a heavy weight clear vinyl? You won't hide the beautiful table and won't have to worry about spills. Cost effective and can be replaced easily.. Just a thought.

A satin finish polyurethane will work very well. It's not shiny at all. I refinished a beautiful table for my son and daughter in law 3 years ago and there's not a mark on it yet. Did 4 coats of poly with a light wipe of fine steel wool in between coats. I think 10 place mats on such a large and pretty table will look a bit busy. Also, kids and placemats are a bit messy, they never stay in place and need wiping too often.

I would do a runner and check out chilliwich....although a runner will not cover the whole table only the center than a big bowl or something for a centerpiece and yes a poly finish in mat could help... Have fun with the grand kids!

I have glass on 200 cm square table. Once its on it stays there!

Husband says he use tung oil for almost everything now. Provides a very low gloss finish. He doesn't know if it would work with your product as we don't seem to have that product here. We live in a very dry climate so he refinishes every couple of years.

Thanks so much mfwolfe, I had researched using this.

I am a huge fan of tablecloths. I have them for every holiday, every season, every occasion, and many that were just too pretty to pass up. Lots of cloth napkins and coordinating place mats too. It's old fashioned but I love it. Changing my table scape changes the whole feel of the dining room.

I agree and love decoenthusiaste's ideas! If you're not satisfied with the low gloss additional coating then I'd go with every other contributor who suggested glass (one or two sections).

The kitchen looks very natural and a la Provance. Why not use something natural such as bee wax. It is a bit on the shiny side freshly applied and finished (though not more than it looks in your third picture) ,but as the wood ages it wares off naturally ; it gets better with the age.

Indianpatti- great solution: GLASS

A glass overlay will protect table and allow you to enjoy the table's beauty.

Thanks for all the ideas and thanks decoenthusiaste for the pics - I like the runners.

@Liliana - it seems that I always gravitate toward the french look - maybe my heritage.

a beeswax would be lovely.
a satin finish poly would also be nice, and it's forgiving of scratches.

I had the same dilemma, I bought a heat proof vinyl mat the same colour as the wood, that covered almost the whole table top, then had the same in white as a runner. I could mix and match depending on guests/use/crockery etc
But glass or heavy duty wax would be lovelier!

In addition to your runners, consider buying a large sturdy tray for your husband to dump his things on. Just move it out of the way for meals.

I did not read any comments, but I wanted to add there are matte coatings available too.

Glass, my all means. It is your best protection. Perhaps two smaller panes would work better than one large one. I used glass to beautify and protect a large desktop that is part of an office built-in system. I'd have been mortified if anything marred the surface. I can now relax and the glass looks very elegant.

Nice idea and traditional French colors. Why not replicate this idea for your kitchen table but in linen ....to continue to honor your heritage !...I mean true 100 % heavy linen ,or linen with ramie or hemp, embroidered! Last a lifetime, can be washed ,no need to be ironed (as you know, quite the opposite for original look), take a lot of spotting and wear .Make few sets /colors to fit all the occasions -from morning messy breakfasts to Christmas. And speaking of old French look, I just acquired a few old flour grain sacks (100 years old)-heavy and sturdy . These too could do the trick for some runners, if it is runners that you seem to gravitate towards. !

Old grain sacks for runners! Good luck and Happy Holidays!Enjoy your wonderful kitchen !

Love the grain sacks.

I would get some lovely textured fabric and make gorgeous runners...

I would also say to order a glass cut to measure for it ,easy to clean and no scratches on the wood either . Use place mats ,table cloths and runners for it ,to change the look from time to time .

I like the idea of runners for two across from one another.

Plexiglass and runners would be nice

What about a transparent, brand-new, clean shower curtain liner wherever the grandchildren sit? You'll STILL be able to see your beautiful table/tablecloth under it. It'll make the kid mess SO easy to clean up afterward & your table will look as gorgeous as ever! Remove flatware, dishes, etc., pick liner up by corners, unload debris & head to your laundry room. Wash with a little detergent & bleach. Hang to dry & it'll be all ready for the next time you need it. Works for any season & you don't have to worry about something like cranberry sauce staining your new runners.

Donnasd, I suggested pretty much the same, but the problem is also the hubby!

Maybe we should let go of maintaining perfection, and embrace that well used look...

I suggest 5 runners, running across the table, chair to chair.

Glass will change the look of your table, since it will give it the gloss look that you are trying to avoid with polyurethane. Also, it's not pretty when it breaks. I had a large piece on my coffee table and dropped something on it. Shattered the glass, which scratched the table. It was thick glass, too.
I've refinished a lot of furniture and used a satin or matte polyurethane on it and it did not have the gloss that you don't want, but protected the furniture beautifully. Then, you could put runners or mats on it, for additional protection and decoration. It's such a gorgeous table, I can certainly understand wanting to protect it.

Honestly, runners and placemats look cute but really don't protect the table from hot plates, hot cups or spills. The steam from the hot plates seeps through the mats and leaves white circles on the wood. Just my experience.

pcmom1, You're correct, you suggested a vinyl tablecloth. As for the Granddad, maybe he could sit with the kids on 1 side of him & adults on the other side. He could be a part of both groups that way & his place setting space could match that of the kids. (vinyl or clear plastic over the table).
Just wondering: do people still have a 'kids' table' anymore?

I always had a "kids" table, and when the kids turned 13, they were allowed to sit at the adults table. Our own version of the bat/bar mizvah, I guess.

Years ago, I built my own dining table. I knew it would be well used, so I chose a 'scrubbable' finish, sanded and just oiled. Well, in the last 15 years it's had paint, candle wax, spray glue!! scratches, anything you can imagine done to it. I just scoured it and reoiled. Gouges pop back out, and everything comes off. Tung oil is a great product, too. If it's solid wood and oiled, maybe you shouldn't worry!

1st, I totally agree about finishing the top. However, check with a pro first to ensure compatibility with the existing finish. I did this once and actually used the same products that were used to finish our hardwood floors. The results were good and the finish is very durable. Then, when using the table for special occasions, try a table cloth cover over a vinyl table protector, using place mats on top of the cloth cover to tie into your dishware/china and linens. This will give you a more formal look with good overall protection. Also, place mats can be cleaned and are less expensive to replace than refinishing a damaged wood table top. When the table is not being used, runners can be utilized under your center piece items to show off the beautiful wood while protecting the table from scratches. Additionally, using a smaller cloth that leaves the table ends exposed is less formal while showing off the table. If you have seat cushions made, consider using the same fabrics for place mats. When not in use, let the beauty of the furniture speak for itself with little or modest decoration. Consider complimenting your table with a beautiful light fixture. When possible, adding dimmers to your lighting is a great and inexpensive way to enhance the setting, especially when using candles. Have fun.

You could get a table pad too.

have a protective glass covering made for it at a glass shop