Might you be able to make a lighted display table out of a glass topped table and some small led lights?
I love buttons, too. Not too long ago I asked my Mom if she still had her button box full of buttons and if so could I please have it when she was finished with it. It was a vey old cookie tin. I was so disappointed when she told me she gave them to my younger brothers to play with years and years ago and there are none of the buttons left. I need to start collecting antique ones one of these days along with antique sewing notions. My DH says anytime, but I always spend on fabric before I get a chance.