It is just a great patio beer drinking table with a great view:) I couldn't get a picture of the table and the view because I didn't have the room with just a camera phone but this is the view from the top of the patio with it:)

If you're worried that plates my scratch it, I would use nice placemats which complement your china when dining. Just a thought.

I would inlay it into a frame..ie with a base to hold the marble..then that way you can screw/weld the legs to the base of the frame..

I think if you want a modern table re-sell this one and start again. The old fashioned style rosewood/mahogany tables which were French polished were very popular in the 80s and 90s and some people who have old homes still love them. I think there is no point trying to completely change it because the leg style etc is still old fashioned.