Area rug

We finally found a dining room set that we like and will be purchasing in the next few weeks. We have all hardwood floors in our home and I am not sure if I should put an area rug under the dining room table.
At first I thought I should but now I am thinking with a new baby coming along and company for the holidays I am sure something is going to spill on the rug so now I am confused. What would you do?

Re: Area rug

I have an area rug under my formal dining table. I like how it looks. It kind of "grounds" the room and gives it a more formal look.

However,

The rug is patterned (it's a traditional, oriental-style rug) in mostly darker shades (black, red) so it doesn't show every little thing.

Also, we have an eat-in kitchen, so that's where we eat our everyday meals (we have a toddler). We use the dining room for larger gatherings, holidays, parties, etc.

Re: Area rug

I have a Sisal rug under my DR set... it wears well with kids and also protects the hardwood floors.