Display artificial Christmas trees in an elegant stand made from the stump of a birch tree with this simple how-to from "The Martha Stewart Show" carpenter Sean Ennis. If birch is not available, any sturdy tree stump can be used.

Tools and Materials

• Birch or other sturdy tree stump, 8 to 11 inches in diameter
• Drill/driver with paddle bit (see step 1)
• Chip brush
• Craft glue
• Coarse glitter
• Surface protectors

Birch Christmas Tree Stand How-To
1. Cut stump to approximately 10 inches tall. Choose a paddle bit for the drill that is equal to the girth of the artificial tree stem (we used a 3/4-inch bit).

2. Find the center of the birch stump and drill to desired depth with the paddle bit (we drilled 3 1/2 inches).
Tip: Be sure to drill perpendicular to the stump so the tree stands straight.

3. Paint glue on bark sparingly, where falling snow would catch naturally. Sprinkle with glitter and let dry.

4. Add surface protectors to bottom of stump. Insert tree post in hole.

Resources
If large tree stumps are not available where you live, try birch-logs.com, which ships birch in any dimension, up to 8 feet long and 8 inches in diameter. Dewalt 18-Volt Cordless Compact Drill/Driver Kit and IRWIN Speedbor 3-Piece Steel Flat Bit Set from The Home Depot. Crystal Coarse Glitter from Martha Stewart Crafts. Gold Tabletop Tinsel Tree from Grandin Road.