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Using pieces of EPS foam, play around with building at least 3 levels, while experimenting with different building placements. Keep in mind that a multi-tiered display gives a village depth and beauty. It’s also entertaining to see if Christmas party guests can recognize any of the city landmarks. My village is the Christmas in the City collection from Department 56, so I like to fashion it as a replica of Covington, KY, a charming historical neighborhood nestled on the bank of the Ohio River, with a stunning view of the Cincinnati skyline. This next step is fun – planning the layout of the city. Now all my electrical infrastructure can easily be concealed, with only one cord (from a surge protector) plugged into the outlet beneath the table. These should be stacked to at least 3″ high to allow ample room for cords. I aslo had Home Depot cut a few wooden blocks to use as risers. I purposely left a few inches across the front of the table showing, as I plan to create a river there. These fit my 6 foot table perfectly, and they are also easier to store than a large single piece of wood. I bought 3 pre-cut pieces of plywood, each measuring 2 ft x 2 ft, from Home Depot.
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I’ve always used a table skirt to hide the cluster of cords, but personally I like a cleaner look. several short extension cords and surge protectorĪs any Department 56 enthusiast will tell you, the jumble of electrical cords is the biggest nuisance when constructing a village.EPS (expanded polystyrene) white foam boards.3 pieces of thin plywood, each measuring 2 ft x 2 ft.(This post may contain affiliate links as an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. And, aside from a few basic tools, I didn’t need a fully-stocked woodworking shop to build this display. No more constructing my fictional city from scratch. This year I built a display that is not only charming but one I’ll be able to use for years to come. And I think I finally have it figured out. Over the years as my collection has grown, I’ve also honed my architectural skills. It turns out I’m as mesmerized by its magic as any 8-year-old. My boys are now grown, but I’m still building a christmas village display. When I first began my Department 56 collection, it was solely for the merriment of my young children as they peered eye-level into the streets of a tiny snow-covered village bustling with a life of its own. I’ve always found miniature villages magical.