I finished my decorative box using stain along with multiple coats of polyurethane on top. I was reading some advice from old threads of putting varnish on top for a more durable finish, but I don't feel I need it because this is only a decorative box, so it won't recieve much wear. I also have felt circles underneath to prevent scratching. Something I was thinking about was paste wax. Paste wax is a cheap and easy extra finish for added protection, but I would have to completely strip it of I was to ever apply polyurethane again.