How do I renew dining table, chairs, buffet, and china cabinet?

chalk paint it! Easy makeover for next to nothomg!

Is it an older set, like pre-1960s, and was it premium construction (no particle board)? Assuming it is good furniture and if you like the look of wood as I do, Formby's furniture refinisher. Certainly more work than if you just paint but I suppose it depends mostly on how you define "update" and what your tastes are. Well finished hardwood furniture is timeless.

I like the refinishing idea, it's a pre-1960-'s set that was beautiful in its day!

If the finish is coming off as you mentioned , I would agree with Cindy about using chalk paint. It's not only easier than refinishing but it can hide a world of sins and will look beautiful paired with new hardware(pulls and knobs). If you like the idea of refinishing the wood surface you could always just refinish the table top wood and use chalk paint for the skirting(or apron) and legs. For your other dining room pieces I wold stick with the chalk paint finish. An idea for your china cabinet would be adding a pop of color to the interior where plates are displayed. By adding a pop of color only to the back interior portion of the cabinet you'll draw the eye to whatever you choose to display there. You can also use a beautiful wall paper as a backdrop for the interior. For the chairs you can easily reupholster the seats with an updated fabric that compliments the paint you choose. Here are a couple of links just to show what is possible. Good luck!

( dining set)

http://pin.it/K4Reiz4

(refinished wood/paint combo)

http://pin.it/VWGXpTw

(china cabinet)

http://pin.it/wyD3gRW

(china cabinet)

http://pin.it/Bi9Z4cF

Chalk paint for sure! Basically no prep!