Would anyone like to help me find my ideal dining table?

[FGM]

Hello, I have been left a little money by a distant relative and would like to buy a fabulous dining table (and chairs) with it.

I thought this would be a suitable way of remembering the lady that we often entertained at Christmas/ Easter etc.

My wish list:-

• must be OAK
• big enough to seat 8-10 and 12 at a push
• rugged enough to cope with my young family , so that we can do finger painting etc on it and not worry
• able to cope with a hot mug of coffee/ glass of water without staining
• timeless design

budget £1000 max- will get chairs with the change

French oak is the only relaistic price - english way out.

I can sit 8 on mine but any bigger you'll be struggling to get it for £1000.

Mine is chunky french oak with huge legs but sure I paid £2K plus.

Any quality finished product will resist the odd spill but I have resorted to clear plastic table cloth now as I found when washing it down I was taking off the odd varnish. Works well with toddlers too.

E-bay will be a good shot. Be careful as with a large table you need to chairs to match and again these can be arounf £200 each.

I have this table from Habitat. Not sure if it counts as 'timeless design', but we really like it, and hope to get many years of family dinners and entertaining out of it.

Nice table ruffles. I popped into Habitat today. I like the Massello table but on questioning it seems that it's not going to be kid-proof enough for me, although the modern design appeals. The sales person recommended I could sand down the top and apply a new varnish when it got stained.

I'm going to try Fired Earth tomorrow- their tables really do look the business and capable of withstanding all sorts of abuse. I might be lucky in the sale. I'm not that bothered about matching chairs- there will be a couple of triptraps to start with. would be happy with an eclectic mix of seating. It's all about the table...