What type of finish on a kitchen table?

I like the poly/stain combo.  I believe you can still do several coats.  I never used it on a kitchen table but did use it on a computer hutch, which got lots of use and it held up fine.

How was it for washability?  Another question, did you brush it on and then rub off just like regular stain?  I did that for my first coat and it seemed to work good, just wanted to know if I was doing it right.

I didn't wash it, sorry.  If you are concerned, I use a product called Bona.  It's for all wood surfaces.  It cleans well and does not dry out wood.  I use it on cabinets, chairs, tables and floors.

I did brush on then wipe.  I used a foam brush to apply it.  No reason other than my mom always did that with anything she finished when I was a kid!  

Thanks, I'll have to see what the hardware store has in stock when I go to get new stain.

Just wanted to chime in that I never have good luck with the "stain finish" products.  The don't get that finished smoothness of a ploy or varnish.  Just make sure that the ploy/varnish you use isn't going to remove the stain as you apply it.

I decided that I would go with a stain and then go over later with poly.  I preferred that the stain went deeper into the wood.  It turned out great.  Thanks everyone.