Interior design question

[Peter Pan]

I purchased a very nice dining table. My dilemma is that I don't want to damage its surface, but I also don't want hide its charm with a table cloth.

I want to use something like a transparent plastic sheet. Is this tacky? Where can I buy this? Do I have to cut the shape myself? Any other ideas?

[DaFonz]

Why not a glass top?

[Keelie]

you can buy the plastic cover somewhere like zellers or wallmart, i'm sure they are just with the other table cloths.
you will probably have to cut it to size yourself.

a friend of mine has one on her diningroom table, i dont really notice it.. she has nice placemats underneath, good way for them not to get dirty ;)

[FatConnor]

wouldnt a nice coat of varnish or something like that work? also i remember watching some HGTV program where this person applies this type of mixture to the tops of her table and it would dry clear and thick.
if u want to do something like that maybe ask ur local rona or home depot.
g'luck