If it has no varnish, light sand then oil. If varnished very good sand using a electric sander, medium first sand then finer the second sand, wipe down to get all dust off then oil. If you use a combo of linseed and turpentine make sure you use gum turpentine. Use more turpentine to start off as will penetrate the wood better. Good luck

It might be worth while to consider the rest of the space also. Your breakfast bar/kitchen is located quiet closely to your dining table so depending on your kitchen space (apologies, I can't see too much of your kitchen from the photo) you might want to think about the overall style you want to achieve for you entire open plan space, and select pendants that would work for both your kitchen and dining. This is a project I worked on recently that shows how two different types of pendants can work harmoniously in the one space that is most similar to your kitchen and dining set up. Keep us posted on what you decide!

We finished our antique island bench, which was originally the haberdashery counter from David Jones in Newcastle, with a burnishing oil. The surface proudly bears the markers of it's history as the timber was too soft and thin to strip back any further than we have, but the burnishing process has protected it from every day wear and tear including water spills and the rough and tumble that our four boys dish out to every piece of furniture in the house, it also gives it a beautiful shine. We have finished our dining room table the same way. Kitchen dresser and the sides of the island bench that don't get the same use are finished with beeswax.

In my opinion too much around the walls near the table makes the area look too busy when it should be clean and simple to make the table and the above clock the feature, I would off set the table to the left and buy a nice tallish free standing vase OR preferably shabby chic a wooden plant stand and stand a plant on it, this would give a more balanced aesthetic to the whole look without it and the area to do that would not take up too much space so as not overdoing the area to make it have a more cluttered look, I like the idea of flipping the clock so that is then becomes a longer feature and would look more balanced, I think a handy hubby or friend could do it, for me a ladder is nice to put towels on in a bathroom but in an area like you have what is it's purpose? I don't find it particularly pleasing but please no one be offended this is just my opinion and as a (just) retired art restorer I am very interested in aesthetically pleasing spaces and interior decorating I realise everyone has their own opinions and they know what is right for them once they sort through the answers. If you lower the clock it too much it defeats the purpose of the clock being useful as they should be around eye level. Hope this helps.