probably a gel stain and poly. Wax is not really a protective finish.

I did two tables recently, one with Behlen Rockhard Table Top Finish and one with Minwax polyurethane. The Rockhard took a while to dry thoroughly but it's so tough now it makes the Minwax seem delicate by comparison. The Rockhard is a phenolic (think Bakelite).

For the chairs--and possibly the table skirt and legs--consider a polyurethane-based gel topcoat (e.g., from General Finishes). Doesn't run. Tough enough for these surfaces and much, much easier to control on vertical surfaces than brushing varnish.