Use a chemical stripper. This will remove the finish, the stain, and not damage the wood. There is a fair chance the color is in the finish. In any event, you will not be able to save any stain color. Cherry has a nice natural color and you may not want to add color. Unless this has been refinished by a DIY person in the past, the finish is almost certainly lacquer, not varnish. Varnish is not a production finish. Do not be tempted to sand it off or you will risk sanding through the veneer. Here is a link that might be useful: Finishing for First Timers

Notepad, I thought you explained it pretty well. I don't think you need anything more than your table and buffet. As for space, take a roll of painter's tape, tape off the dimensions of the table, allowing about 3- 4 feet around the perimeter for the chairs, then see if there would be room for a buffet, and if so, where would it best fit.

There is absolutely no way you are going to do that with 7 cans of paint. It will take 2 coats, minimum, on everything (white over a dark color), and more on the spindles (because uneven coverage on round items). I'd bet you are looking at 20 cans of paint, easily, at least for 2 coats.

Actually I had looked at this cb2 and thought it was beautiful! It only gave me pause bc the color is so close to my floors. I know a rug would solve that but I wish I could see it all together. Yes! These are the henredon chairs! I think from 1975. My room could accommodate a round table.