I am getting ready to start finishing a night stand I have been working on for a while now. It is made out of red oak plywood and red oak solid wood. My wife has picked out some stain to try to match it to the furniture we already have. It is a minwax brand water based stain. My question is does anyone have any guidance on finishing techniques to use on it. It shouldn't get too much abuse. A drink on the top from time to time but that is about it. I am a newbie as most of you already know so it would help if you don't get too far over my head. Any suggestions would be appreciated. If I have left out any pertinent information on which to make your suggestions from let me know and I will try to supply it. Thanks in advance.