Multiple block elements on the same line

I'm trying to create an image gallery with a mouseover overlay on them. In order for the overlay to function correctly I need to have it's position set to absolute so it will line up with the image it is overlaying, and absolute positioning will only work with block-level elements. However, I want the several of the images to be on the same line (so I get a 3x3 grid or the like), and as they are block-level elements each images wraps to a new line.

Short of using tables or any such nonsense, does anyone have any ideas?

Make sure the parent has position relative and then give all elements an absolute position or float everything left and make sure the parent is wide enough for 3 across plus margins.