Woodland Wonderland

Forgo the complicated gingerbread house in favor of upcycling a vintage birdhouse or bird feeder into a charming Christmas cottage. Perch the house atop a wooden box, cake plate, overturned tart pan or stack of cutting boards. Surround it with several vintage feather or bottle-brush trees, a sprinkling of faux snow, and a path made of flat stones or wood slices cut from a birch branch. Place fairy lights inside the house and then cover the opening with waxed paper for a softer look. Accent the cottage with a circlet of fresh greens, thimbles full of red berries and a scattering of mini pinecones.