Birch Cake Stand
You will need a fairly straight 6-inch-tall portion of a branch and a 3-inch-thick cross section of a trunk. Both are available at lumberyards. While there, check that the cake stand will be level: Stand the branch on a flat surface, and place the trunk on top, perpendicular to the branch; the surfaces should be flush. You'll also need a drill, yellow wood glue, and a wood screw (about 4 inches long).

1. Drill a hole in the center of the trunk. Center trunk on branch, and put glue in hole, allowing some to drip onto branch. Insert the screw. Drill the screw into the branch. (The screw should extend at least 1 inch into the branch.) Let dry.
2. Cover the trunk with a piece of parchment or waxed paper before placing food on the surface.