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As a first timer, I strongly suggest purchasing Citristrip, the companion 'Citristrip Wash' and a good stiff bristle nylon brush for starters. It is very friendly stuff, smells nice and works pretty well. Brush it on somewhat generously and let it work (per the directions.) Remove somewhat gently with either a nylon brush, or once you get the feel for what you are working with, perhaps a wide blade putty knife or paint scraper with appropriate pressure (if the item is veneer, the moisture from any stripper could cause puckering or other loosening of the sheets of veener, so be gentle at first until you know what you are working with. Plan on 2 or 3 rounds of stripping and light scraping, then sanding. I've had good luck with that approach with Citristrip, but have to admit I am still a huge fan of that nasty 5F5 (blue can, skin eating) stripper.
I highly recommend gel stains (Bartleys and WoodKote are best, IMO) - not Minwax stains or gel stains on refinishing. They tend to even out sins in the wood, even out the color and go on like a dream. Couple coats of a water based poly and you'll be in business.
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