I've also tried lilac, I like making stems from it. I find that if has an interesting distinctive floral spicy taste and aroma until it has a bit of cake, I didn't mind it but I can see how some people would find it unpleasant.
I shortened the shank, drilled the mortise deeper, lined the mortise with golden cork, thinned and extended the tenon. Countersunk the rim. And colored it a Mahogany Red...