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Cross-Sections
Fallen branches and trees don’t often have much to look forward to besides becoming mulch on the forest floor. But with a little ingenuity, designers are starting to find new ways of using wood and cross-cut lumber indoors as decor.
Trivet
Instructables via andrea biffi
Cross-sections from tree branches make an excellent trivet, protecting your kitchen counters and dining table from the likes of hot casserole dishes and coffee pots. Glue or string together the mini wood slices to make a trivet however big or small you need.
Related: 10 Best-Bet Kitchen Buys from IKEA
Charger
etsy.com via LaurelandBliss
Rustic chargersunder fine china create an interesting juxtaposition, while the levelness of the chargers steady dinnerware on the table. Available from Etsy; $14.99/charger.
Related: 8 Things You Never See on the Dining Table Anymore
Coasters
Instructables via mikeasaurus
Around the holidays, there’s bound to be a lot of company at the house. Use tree-slice coasters to protect the finish on your coffee and side tables from spills. Made from smaller tree branches and sealed with Danish oil, these can also be bundled together as a set to make a host or hostess gift.
Cake Stand
esty.com via RusticWoodSlices
When the dessert hour rolls around, surprise your guests with treats displayed on a woodsy cake stand. A thick wood slab makes for an excellent and sturdy base to hold a cake, pie, or other sweet bites. Available from Etsy; $35.95.
Vase
etsy.com via PlaceCardHolderShop
Vasesmade from logs are another take on the theme. If routing out the log is too time-consuming or tool-specific, you can instead drill holes to place individual stems into. Of course, another option is skipping the DIY route and buying one from Etsy instead. Available from Etsy; $23.47.
Place Cards
etsy.com via TheHeritageTree
Keep the rustic theme going at your table with cross-cut place card holders. It’s the perfect use for smaller branches and requires minimal sawing, cutting, or drilling. Available from Etsy; $24 for 35 holders.
Table
etsy.com via SheffordWoodlands
Beyond tabletop decor, a coffee or side table made from a fallen tree trunk makes a bold yet relaxed statement. Available from Etsy; $287.25.
Related: 10 Coffee Tables for Under $100
Cutting Board
Instructables via thebrownie
A good cutting board is a kitchen necessity. To make your own, simply sand a medium-size log cross-section on top and bottom before applying a food-safe lacquer.
Ornaments
Instructables via mimikry
Holiday ornaments can cost a pretty penny. Slices of a tree branch, each drilled with a hole and strung with twine, make for great alternatives to store-bought decorations. You can leave them blank or paint winter scenes on the flat surface.
Night Stand
Instructables via homemademodern
At the end of a long night of entertaining, tuck into bed next to a log night stand. Again, let the log dry out completely in a warm and dry area (this also allows the bark to be easily removed). Next, sand down the top and sides. Keep it natural with a coat of low-luster polyurethane.
Related: 10 Useful Items You Should Keep on Your Nightstand
