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

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.

Unfortunately there is no simple answer for the best dining table for your home as so much depends on your household, lifestyle, and dimensions of the available space. You need to think about who uses it, and how you entertain. If you have messy toddlers get something that is easy to keep clean, and is fairly robust. If you like to host large number of people for dinner maybe a table that can be extended. What is the size of your household? Do you usually eat at the breakfast bar? For materials and colours I would be looking at what you already have in your kitchen and family room as a starting point. Don't introduce new colours or new materials to the dining area that aren't already in the kitchen or family room. Your bar stools look good and work well with your kitchen. If you are happy with your bar stools I would use them as a starting point to see if you can source complementary dining chairs. Once you have sourced your dining chairs find a table that works with the chairs. Make sure that the dining chairs that you select are the right height for the table, and if you get dining chairs with arms (called carver chairs) that the arms fit under the table. The tops of tables are a fairly consistant height, but the clearance under the table depends on the materials, structure and the position of the table legs. The number of chairs that you can fit around a table will depend on the position of the table legs and the width of the dining chairs. Measure your available space carefully before looking at tables to ensure that you have adequate circulation space around the dining setting to access the external door. Make sure that there is enough room to get past a chair when somebody is sitting at it. Without knowing your household, or lifestyle, or the dimensions of the room I think a six person or possibly an eight person circular table would work well in the space, but this may not meet your needs (or fit). Best of luck with finding the best dining table, Dr Retro

Try the Amazon Australia site. If placemats only come in sets of 4, then purchase two sets. Love the colours in the placemats Kate has shared.