If the literal question asked ("Is there an easy way to create a text table - like a table in word") is actually answered...

The answer is an emphatic NO.

In fact, creating a table in Xara--widget or no widget--is not like in anything else. The widget is mainly useful for web tables. Even so, I would say it is marginally useful. But the widget is not useful for print work. So work-arounds still apply for people wanting to use Xara for a total solution work-flow.

Glad (generally) composite source material in other applications.

Mike