I knew this was the table I wanted without a doubt, but after reading through some of the reviews - namely the ones talking about kids getting food in the little holes or linens snagging on the rough surface - I did start to have my doubts. After a week of looking at other tables and still dreaming about this one I went for it and I am sooo glad I did. It is gorgeous! I find that without the leaves it sits six comfortably, just don’t put the longest legged person in the room on the ends. The surface of the table is wonderful, not too rough or snagging my linens at all. And as far as kids getting food in holes or crevices - I just have my daughter eat over a placemat. She has spilled a bright red drink on it already, but it wiped up fine and we can’t tell at all now. I love this table and had a wonderful dinner party on it two nights ago!