Glass is a very durable surface. It might be tricky to find a table that isn't too 80s-tastic, but it's definitely practical.

This summer we threw caution to the wind and bought a nice table - it was pricey but just what we wanted. Sad part is that we just see the legs! The top is covered with a plastic table cloth to protect it from my 3 year old and 18 month old. Sigh. I'm not sorry though - I wanted to get one table, the one my kids would grow up with. Family dinners are a priority around here, so if I need to use a hideous plastic cover for now (and to add to the nostalgia), so be it. Good luck finding a solution that works for you!

Glass around kids scares me...we have a glass coffee table I love, but everytime other people's children come over I cringe-they inevitably are banging their heads on it by accident, etc...because they aren't used to it. But also our son will lean on it and hang off it from time to time-its just so hard to resist! I can't imagine a dining table because I would be constantly having to windex the fingerprints and also you can't have a hanging high chair either...For a dining table really, you can't beat Ikea for something that looks good but is cheap and you won't care about it getting hurt. We have a black table that cost us 100 bucks! It looks modern and we don't mind it it gets a scratch or two! The danish modern is what we want to and matches our 197o's townhouse...we will get it one day. What about putting a custom piece of glass on top of it? That would be a great compromise! A heavy enough piece won't slide around and it won't cover the look of the table. OR I've also been considering the farmhouse look. Rustic pine slabs, a knotty look which looks better once there are more marks. There are some modern pieces too that have steel legs etc. Good luck!

We bought the west elm modern farm dining table with bench. They sometimes have great sales on top of an already reasonable price. We love it! The bench is easy for kids and the wood is durable and modern. Also, we bought a stokke trip trapp chair for our son, they are incredible and will last for years, and it fits perfectly with the table! Good luck with your search!

We have had a round table from West Elm for the past four years and have been very disappointed with it. It shows even the smallest marks. A 10-month old with a fork could destroy it. We are also considering danish modern wood (teak) and maybe just planning to treat ourselves to a refinishing of it after the kids are 10 or so.

Actually, getting a vintage MCM table isn't a bad idea. Just don't get one that is pristine or that you hope will remain "perfect" for years to come. We bought a walnut MCM table for a reasonable price that is in good but not perfect condition, and knowing it's already seen some living let's me relax about future scratches and bang-ups from my family. When the kids are older, we'll invest in something truly beautiful.

We found the Spanna extension table from DWR on craigslist. We have an all wood one - coffee colored wood on the top as well. (The website is only showing the glass top, not sure why.) We love it! I personally don't mind if my table gets some wear and tear from the kids - we're a family and not a museum, so I dont mind. The table has held up very, very well. I love the wood so try not to cover it with a tablecloth. When the kids eat, they get placemats. When we have an adult party, we extend the table and its gorgeous. Sure, it has a couple nicks on top but it still looks stunning.

I'm so glad to hear you say that, soirish87. We're about to order that very same table (although unfortunately, the matching bench is no longer available).

We had a similar dilemna... so here's my 2 cents. I bought a nice table, the andover from room and board. It's solid white oak, and I bought it with the idea it could easily be refinished in a few years because it is solid.

Even so, it has been hard to see some of the abuse it gets. The tiny streak of purple glitter nail polish adds charm, the bubbles in the lacquer where water seeped into the finish, not so much. You need to consider how much these things will bother you day to day.

There are some cute oilcloths out there, if you want go the cover up route. Cath Kidston spots in stone is great, and there is an oil cloth shop on etsy, too.

I agree that IKEA is a great source. Our dining table is the Bjursta in the really dark stain and you can't see anything on it. People come over and are shocked I don't make them use coasters, but it really holds up!

Our breakfast table, where we eat day in and day out is a formica 50's dinette set. It is AWESOME for cleaning up! My kids haven't been able to do anything bad to it. If you like a little funkiness in your decor, you might keep an eye out on Craig's List for one. The chairs are also super-easy to recover with oil cloth.