You could paint it and if the chairs have fabric you could replace it with a less formal fabric. If you don't feel like you can handle such a big project you can hire it out.

If it's really solid cherry, I'd be very hesitant to paint it. I think you can loosen up the look with a tablecloth, chair covers, centerpiece, etc. without decreasing the value of the furniture.

I also would consider painting the trim quicker than the table. Pictures would really helps us help you better.

I agree wholeheartedly with Franksmom in regard to painting the furniture. Her suggestions are great. I can also see how a playful rug, contemporary/transitional artwork and light fixture could help create a more informal feel in the room. Then, you'd have an interesting mix! Wouldn't that be more fun than everything being the same anyway? Also, if you paint the walls an intriguing, unexpected color, that could also relax the space.

Ok, I'm not good with getting pictures up but here goes. Thanks for your help on this.
http://s1177.photobucket.com/albums/x351/KJFEHRINGER/

{{!gwi}}

Gorgeous!

That's Kelskie's dining room, above!

The chairs have beautiful, graceful lines, the table is a beauty too. I love it. If it was inexpensive, you sure got a great deal...it doesn't look inexpensive! Pretty wall color too!

Would love to see a rug that brings out that beautiful, porcelain blue in there! The shutters, though a lighter wood, don't scream "casual" to me, as much as they say, "traditional," which is very appopriate with your dining furniture. Silver candlesticks, blue and white porcelain, a patterned rug, artwork, will look fantastic in there. I wouldn't worry about the shutters, but I would paint that piece of trim around your heater to match the wall!

I think what's bothering you is not the style but the difference in the wood tones. For a quick fix do as others suggested and recover the chairs and add a tablecloth. The stark white of the chair cushions just draws your eye to the dining set.......at least in the pic you've shown.

I think it would take very little to make it work. I have no problem with the creamy seat cushions but I do think that a beautiful rug and some drapes would make a huge difference. I'd look for a drape that has a creamy tone to compliment your chairs, it could even have a small print to compliment your rug. I'd eliminate the small chest with the Madonna on it that I saw on in your pictures. I'd edit the hutch items to a few nice pieces and store the rest. The wall art would have to have a good impact. Good luck.

That set is traditional, but not overly formal, IMO. When you said "formal" my mind immediately jumped to ornate. Agree with others to change the fabric. Get some art that draws the eye away from the mixed wood tones. (no wood frames!)

Oh! I really like that set a lot. And I ageree that keeping it and making it work will make the room more interesting, than if you just has a more casual piece in there.

Can you show a pic of the whole room?

Those chairs would be a snap to recover, or you could just make removeable/washable slipcovers for them that tie or pin on. I think adding slipcovers over what you already have will make it a little more casual, as well.

Very pretty set! I had the same thought as igloochic, a fun, kicky pleated slipcover would really de-formalize your set. You could make similar ones to Miss Mustard Seed's, and if you don't want/can't make the pleated ones, you could just do a gathered skirt on three sides with ties.
Dee

I added a link to the rest of the pictures below.

I think I'm in the camp of recovering the chairs. I'd choose a print that would work with other items around your home. A table cloth or table runner to match or a less traditional center piece. By what I see of inside the china cabinet your style isn't far off with this table. I'd like to see pictures of the rest of your home to help with more ideas.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kelskie's pictures

Much as others suggest, I'd recover seats with a casual blue white plaid, and look for a coir rug or casual navy/beige striped rug... something along those lines to lean toward french country.

Oh my those are great ideas. This is the greatest place to check out on the internet. It is addicting to check and see what everyone is thinking and working on!!! I did discover that underneath the carpet is original small board hardwood in perfect shape. I don't think it has ever been uncovered. I also have a rug in another room that is blue/beige/green that might go well under the table. Thanks for the ideas -- I know I will be needing more as I work on our other rooms.

Before my graphics program crashed, I tried virtually covering the chairs in this Robert Allen fabric. It has the right blend of informality without detracting from the lines of the furniture. Trust me on that one. It was too much of an effort to do in the first place, and after the software crashed (and I thought a few choice words), not worth trying to replicate.

I would place an adorable table cloth on the table and recover the chair pads.

I'd do a Carribean kind of look. Paint the trim white and use gauzy curtains. You can use tropical prints for the chairs and yet the integrity of the wood would be intact.
You could even keep the shutters.

Just wanted to cheer you on...such great ideas, you can do this! :)

I think it would be quicker, easier, cheaper to remove the shutters and get drapes. Done deal. Dining rooms can be more formal than the rest of the house. Your accessories go with the room,the table as is, it is the shutters that don't belong,IMHO. I would recover the chairs with a pattern, only because solid light will show every stain, I know I had the same problem.